Tag: Dystopian (Page 1 of 31)

BOOK REVIEW: Flight by R.V. Wilbur

BOOK REVIEW: Flight by R.V. WilburFlight by R.V. Wilbur
Purchase on: Amazon
Add to: Goodreads

Synopsis:

As an invisible battle rages…
The Balance preventing the world from falling into the hands of either good or evil has fallen, plunging the world into chaos. Ripped from their home behind an unseen Veil, the forces of both Darkness and Light find themselves exiled to earth—free to rise up and claim it as their own.

Hundreds of years later…
Lacey Talanton has lived alone in the city of Anatoliene for years despite still running from her past in her dreams every night. When she unwittingly enters the Veil and thwarts an attack on the leader of the most notorious gang in the city, she finds herself caught at the center of the war between the Light and the Darkness in a world she never knew existed

But all is not as it seems…
The deeper Lacey immerses herself in the battle between the forces of Light and Darkness hiding in plain sight, the more her nightmares begin to awaken. As new revelations and a traitor in the midst threaten the love, family, and home she has found in Anatoliene, Lacey faces impossible choices with deadly consequences that force the question:

How long can you endure the fight when all you know is to take flight?

Review:

Peace did not exist here. Only nightmares. And it was getting worse.

Flight whisked me away to a world that I got lost in. I was not prepared for everything these characters made me feel. Or that ending. If you’re looking for a dystopian story that is laced with magical elements, then Flight is definitely your book!

“What happens if we don’t win?”
Silence stretched on for so long that she began to wonder if she had imagined his responsive grunt, or if maybe he had simply muttered in his sleep.
But then, finally, he spoke. “I don’t think the outcome matters. I have a feeling we’ll all find out that we’ve both won and lost before the end.”

Lacy was a woman who was struggling. She wasn’t happy with who she had become and her past was haunting her thoughts. It seemed like the only way she could muffle those voices and images was with alcohol and wild nights with her friend Becca. Living in a dystopian world 100 years after the devastation took place added to an eeriness that could be felt in the pages. There were only a handful of cities left on the continent, and it seemed like so many were just struggling to survive. And stay safe. Like Lacy who didn’t always feel safe.  She had secrets that no one could know about. So when she witnessed a meeting of the Unseen, which should be impossible for a human, her whole world was flipped upside down. And she found herself in the middle of two warring gangs. The Darkness, Tzel, and the Lightness, Liorah.

“If you believe anything you’ve heard here tonight, believe me when I say there is only one thing that should be feared in this city. And that is you.”
Lacey stared at him a moment more, trying to process what that even meant before she shifted toward the door.

This book took some dark and twisty paths. Murdering their own wasn’t given a second thought. And doing whatever it took to take out the enemy wasn’t even blinked at.  With life and death situations commonplace, there was a slow burn romance that helped balance this book perfectly. As the story unfolded, we met characters that I have so many thoughts on. Here are a few….

How good would it feel to stop being the victim? To be the villain for once?

Jackoby was the definition of morally gray. I was traumatized from that torture scene eeps. Yet Jackoby also showed us moments of compassion and his heart. So I had questions about his past and what he wanted. I always felt like we got pieces of him, since he was so complex.

Becca was Lacy’s friend, who helped her make interesting life choices. My feelings for her changed as we got to see more of who she was. But my lips are zipped about what those feelings are!

The housemates were a group of woman who loved and supported one another. I’m looking forward to getting to know each of them in the future books!

Finn was a book boyfriend many will fall for. I was always questioning what his thoughts were and desperately wanted to hear his voice. I loved watching him connect with Lacy, their relationship warmed my heart!

Finn glanced back at his cup, suddenly looking uncomfortable as a prickle of nervousness rose around him. “I thought they were the only family I needed in my life. And then I met you.”
Lacey’s eyes widened, and she felt her mouth gape open before jamming it shut.

There was a lot of world building in this story. I still don’t have a firm grasp on it and Lacy’s powers, but I’m hoping to in the future books. There was also lots of political intrigue for those who love that! So if you adore morally grey characters, dystopian worlds, slow burn romance, found family and the chosen one, you definitely need this book in your life! The storyline felt so unique and that ending left me excited for what is to come next!

There was no use in staying strong now. She would grieve. She would accept. And then she would get up. And she would keep going.

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

BOOK REVIEW: Fall of Ruin and Wrath (Awakening #1) by Jennifer L Armentrout

BOOK REVIEW: Fall of Ruin and Wrath (Awakening #1) by Jennifer L ArmentroutFall of Ruin and Wrath (Awakening #1)
by Jennifer L. Armentrout
Purchase on: AmazoniBooks
Add to: Goodreads

Synopsis:

SHE LIVES BY HER INTUITION. HE FEEDS ON HER PLEASURE.

Long ago, the world was destroyed by gods. Only nine cities were spared. Separated by vast wilderness teeming with monsters and unimaginable dangers, each city is now ruled by a guardian―royalty who feed on mortal pleasure.

Born with an intuition that never fails, Calista knows her talents are of great value to the power-hungry of the world, so she lives hidden as a courtesan of the Baron of Archwood. In exchange for his protection, she grants him information.

When her intuition leads her to save a traveling prince in dire trouble, the voice inside her blazes with warning―and promise. Today he’ll bring her joy. One day he'll be her doom.

When the Baron takes an interest in the traveling prince and the prince takes an interest in Calista, she becomes the prince’s temporary companion. But the city simmers with rebellion, and with knights and monsters at her city gates and a hungry prince in her bed, intuition may not be enough to keep her safe.

Calista must choose: follow her intuition to safety or follow her heart to her downfall.

Breathtaking suspense and scorching romance meet in this immersive new fantasy from a mega-bestselling force, Jennifer L. Armentrout.

Review:

Fall of Ruin and Wrath was a dark and sensual romtansy that was so easy to get lost in.  Within those first few pages I had no clue what was going on, but I was terrified.  So take those first few chapters to immerse yourself in this new world.  It’s lethal, archaic and shrouded in mystery. With a dystopian background, that was laced with high fantasy, Fall of Ruin and Wrath easily became an instant favorite!

“We keep meeting under the strangest circumstances,” he noted. “I’m beginning to think fate is afoot.”
“Fate?” I laughed. “You believe in fate?”
“You don’t?”

Calista aka Lis was a paramour to Claude who was a Caelestia; half Hyhborn and half lowborn.  And while I’ve read almost every single book by JLA, over the last decade, Lis was unlike any other heroine that we have met from Armentrout.  Her intuition guided where she went in life and the decisions she made.  She also had the ability to see things happen before they did.  Like how someone would die, or horrific events on the horizon.  And I was fascinated to watch her listen into others thoughts, without needing to touch them.  Yet my heart twisted for Lis.  I questioned whether she truly knew how to have a strong mental bond with others.  She seemed to struggle with that outside of her “brother”, Grady.  Maybe it was because of her gifts?  Or maybe it was because of her childhood?  Or maybe it even had to do with how she ended up as a paramour and nothing truly felt like hers?  But regardless, she seemed to have connections with those around her physically, instead of emotionally. 

“Hold still.”
“I am holding still, but . . . you’re on your knees, your fingers are near my dick, and you’re currently gloriously nude, so . . .”
Undoing the final button, I rolled my eyes. “You can’t even stand on your own two feet and you’re currently regrowing eyeballs. The last thing you need to be thinking about is me on my knees, your dick, or my nudity.”
“I’ve regrown my eyes, na’laa.”
My chin jerked up.

Lis’ intuition one night led her to rescue a Hyhborn.  Hyhborn’s weren’t mortal, they were scions of the Gods.  And the scene she was led to was terrifying, yet I couldn’t help but noticing that I loved her thoughts.  They were real and honest, making it so easy to connect with her.  And the Hyhborn we met?!  I. Was. Obsessed!  Thorne was a book boyfriend many will fall hard for. I loved that he could be sarcastic and also oh so polite.  His manners as he murdered those to keep Lis safe had me cracking up.  Thorne was truly lethal, yet at the same time he was so much fun. He loved to push Lis’ buttons and get a rise out of her while being addictively possessive. Add to all of that that he was capable of admitting when he was wrong. Well. It was impossible not to love everything there was about him.

Na’laa?”
I stopped as something . . . something like hope swelled inside me. Hope for what? I really couldn’t say as I looked over my shoulder at him.
The Lord stood with his back to me, shoulders a tense straight line. “Be careful.”

Around Thorne, Lis could touch him and just be in the moment.  She never got pulled into her brain or saw future events she would prefer not to see. Like she did when she touched other lowborns and Caelestias. So the sexual tension between Lis and Thorne was done fabulously.  It was a slow burn that was filled with the most fabulous banter.  It was impossible not to smile at so many of the moments between them.  And while Thorne and Lis were worlds apart, it always felt like there was something pulling them together. As though there was a higher power connecting them. So because of that, I loved watching the tentative trust build. That they could be comfortable with each other.  That it felt like Lis was finally making an emotional connection with someone. And of course how steamy they could be together too *fans face*.

I connected with him, and my intuition came alive, showing me the future— the excruciating crack of bone in my right arm, then my left. The phantom pain traveled to my throat. I felt it all.
His death.
And I . . . I smiled.

Yes there were other characters outside of Lis and Thorne, but I am rather obsessed with those two. I’m still unsure of how to feel towards Naomi, who was her first friend outside of Grady. And I would love if Lis threw an apple at Claude’s head, like Alex. Yes he took care of Lis as he used her as his own personal lie detector, but I loathed that he called her Pet. There was also a man named Hymel that I kept hoping would die on every page he appeared lol.  Ohhh then there were two friends of Thorne that we didn’t spend a lot of time with, yet I adored both of them.  I can’t wait to get to know them better!  They had found family written all over them!  But on top of those we met, there was a whole world and political intrigue that I’m not even touching on.  It was fascinating and better left for you to discover on your own!

“Don’t.”
My gaze flew back to him.
“I would warn against attempting to run,” he advised, walking past me.
“Because you will stop me?”
“Because I will give chase.” He unhooked the straps holding the short sword to his back as he crossed into the bedchamber. “And I will capture you.”

Fall of Ruin and Wrath was laced with a fascinating world, characters that will steal you heart, mysteries that are intertwined with secrets, and moments that will leave you on the edge of your seat! There were so many moments that were impossible to stop smiling or screaming from excitement. Especially when it came to Thorne. That last page was the most perfect stopping point. Yet I am definitely counting down until the next book is released and we can be back in this world!

PS The shower scene was one of my favorite moments.  Nope, it’s not what you think it is *side smirk*.

Other Favorite Quotes:

My senses opened to him. I saw nothing in his eyes or in my mind.
But I felt something.
A warning.
A reckoning.
A promise of what was to come.
And I knew.

 

“Apologies, my pet. I do get a bit animated when I speak. Got it from my mother.”
“‘ Pet’?” Prince Thorne queried softly.
The back of my neck tingled, and it had nothing to do with intuition.

 

I froze. Tiny hairs lifted along the nape of my neck as the air thickened and the flames stilled. That mouth of mine had surely gotten me in trouble this time.
But Prince Thorne . . . he smiled.
My stomach dipped.
The smile he bestowed was not tight or cold. It was wide and real, showing a hint of teeth and softening the icy, unreal beauty of his features.

 

“Do you finally think of me as a monster?”
I closed my eyes.
“You should,” he said softly. “The blood that is on my hands will never wash off. I wouldn’t even attempt to do so.”

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

REVIEW & GIVEAWAY: Sunset Rising Trilogy by S.M. McEachern

REVIEW & GIVEAWAY: Sunset Rising Trilogy by S.M. McEachern

I read Sunset Rising three years ago & fell madly in love with this trilogy! When I heard that S.M. McEachern had been plagiarized, I knew that I wanted to help and re-read this fabulous series. I fell even harder the second time around with this series! Below you can read my 5 Star Review for the first book, and I’ll include links to my reviews for books 2&3. Also don’t forget to enter a giveaway to win a copy of the whole series. Enjoy!

REVIEW & GIVEAWAY: Sunset Rising Trilogy by S.M. McEachernSunset Rising (Sunset Rising #1)
by S.M. McEachern
Purchase on: Amazon
Add to: Goodreads

Synopsis:

Deep inside a mountain in what used to be North America dwells the last of humanity. Welcome to the Biodome, where steel, rock and armed guards separate the privileged from the slaves.

Born and raised a slave in the Pit, Sunny O’Donnell has always accepted that she'll spend her life working to keep the Dome running and, if she lives long enough, willingly meet her end in the annual Cull when she reaches the age of thirty-five. This was the price her ancestors paid for their place inside the Biodome, the only safe haven from the global nuclear war of 2024.

But when Sunny’s mother is killed in the Cull, the hopeless reality of her future becomes painfully clear. Bereft and disillusioned, she heads down a reckless path that sets off a deadly riot in the Pit and leaves her accused of treason. Her only way of escaping public execution is to make a truce with her prison mate, who happens to be the heir to the dictatorship and hated enemy of the Pit.

Now caught between two worlds on the brink of war, Sunny must weigh her own survival against risking everything to save the Pit.

S.M. McEachern delivers the action and adventure of The Hunger Games, the intrigue of The City of Ember, and the romantic notes of Les Misérables in her debut novel set in a future that is disturbingly plausible.

Review:

Sunset Rising was an exhilarating, action pack ride that kept me on the edge of my seat. If you’re a fan of dystopian and slow burn romance that is forbidden, then you definitely need this book in your life! Just from the prologue alone, I knew this series was going to be a favorite. The end of the world was coming and the horror of a worldwide nuclear war held me in a death grip. We then jumped almost 300 years in the future and the current way of life had me in absolute shock.

My voice caught on hitch as tears stung my eyes, and I shook my head and silently admonished myself because crying was such a weak thing to do. And there was no room for weakness in the Pit.

Sunny O’Donnell was born as a slave in the Pit. Her ancestors had bargained for their safety in the Dome, and in exchange they were to be slaves. The rules in their world were harsh and just when I thought their conditions couldn’t get any worse, I learned more and was horrified. Like the Cull that happened when one turned 35. Sunny had just lost her mother to the Cull, and from that huge loss, it set Sunny on a path that would completely change her life.

“Sunny, I don’t know —”
“Tell me!” I yelled.
But he didn’t tell me. He just looked at me with a defeated expression, and I wasn’t ready to be defeated. In only a few months my entire life had been shattered beyond recognition.

I loved Sunny right away! She was fierce, brave and extremely loyal. Plus I loved her endurance, strength and how she always worked at making herself better. She was someone people could look up to and respect, so I instantly connected with her. And since I connected so easily with her, I felt every single tiny emotion she did. It made this book an extremely emotional ride that I loved! I can’t even count how many times my heart beat faster or I had sweaty palms because of the situations Sunny found herself in. There were even a few moments where I had chills racing down my spine.

He picked up my hands from the table, held them in his, and looked at me with his intense blue eyes. “I’ll do everything in my power to keep you safe.”

Part way into this story, Sunny found herself being accused of treason. And her only hope for survival, from a public execution, was teaming up with Jack Kenner. When Sunny met Jack, I wasn’t exactly sure what to think. Jack was from the Dome and even though he lived an extremely privileged life, I liked him. Jack was protective, smart, fierce, loving and seemed so honest. I had so much hope for him and before I knew it, I loved Jack with my whole heart and soul. So I kept my fingers crossed that he was one of the good guys and wouldn’t let Sunny or I down.

He opened the door and held out his hand for mine. I took it, lacing my fingers between his. As we walked down the hall together toward the common room, I felt stronger than I ever had in my life.

I loved watching Sunny and Jack figure out how to work together to survive. Yes there were intense and emotional moments, but there were also moments that had me smiling and laughing. They were so much fun together and their chemistry was undeniable. But she was a slave from the Pits, and he was training to be the next President from the Dome. Nothing romantic could ever come to be, it was forbidden. So I found myself glued to every single word and gesture there was between Sunny and Jack. It was absolutely addicting.

“I’ve always known we’ll be caught eventually, but now that it might be real, I’m scared.”
I didn’t want to die now that I had found a reason to live.

Hope, despair, friendship, love, freedom, slavery and political intrigue filled the pages and made Sunset Rising easily landed on my favorites list. But there was so much I didn’t even talk about. There were side characters I absolutely adored. The twists and turns completely consumed me. And there was also a few moments that made me cry. When I got near the end of the book, I found myself clapping, screaming and cheering because this story ended with a bang and an epic cliffhanger. Thank goodness this trilogy is complete lol! So yes, I definitely recommend Sunset Rising, and I can’t wait to devour the next book!

 

Reading Order & Links:
Amazon (click on covers), iBooks (click on titles) & Book Depository (click on book #)

Sunset Rising   #1
Review:

Jen

Worlds Collide   #2
Review:

Jen

New World Order   #3
Review:
Jen



 

About S.M. McEachern:

S.M. McEachern (who also writes new adult as Susan McEachern) comes from the rocky shores of Canada’s East Coast. She is a graduate of Dalhousie University, with an honors degree in International Development Studies with a focus on ocean development. Throughout her academic studies and early career, Susan had the privilege to study and work with Elizabeth Mann Borgese, daughter of nobel prize winner, Thomas Man). An author in her own right and a political activist for world peace, Mrs. Mann Borgese played a significant influence on Susan’s view of the political world stage.

Visit Susan’s website at smmceachern.com for free short stories and updates on new releases.

Sign up for S.M.’s Newsletter!

 

Website | Twitter | Facebook | Instagram | TikTok | Goodreads | Amazon | BookBub

 

Giveaway:

2 winners will win eBooks of the SUNSET RISING series, International.

 

a Rafflecopter giveaway

 

Tour Schedule:

Week One:

7/11/2022

ScottBuryAuthor

 

7/11/2022

BookHounds YA

 

7/12/2022

FictionalFey

 

7/12/2022

Lady Hawkeye

 

7/13/2022

Ya Books Central

 

7/13/2022

The Biased Bibliophile

 

7/14/2022

Star-Crossed Book Blog

 

7/14/2022

Red Ink Book Reviews

 

7/15/2022

TakeALookAtMyBookshelf

 

7/15/2022

@books_in.the.clouds0899

 

 

Week Two:

7/18/2022

@JCMorrows

 

7/18/2022

mulberryreads

 

7/19/2022

Write. Read. Live.

 

7/19/2022

Two Chicks on Books

 

7/20/2022

GryffindorBookishNerd

 

7/20/2022

@jaimerockstarbooktours

 

7/21/2022

A Bookish Dream

 

7/21/2022

Fire and Ice

 

7/22/2022

The Momma Spot

 

7/22/2022

More Books Please blog

 

BOOK REVIEW: Code (International Sensory Assassin Network #4) by Mary Ting

BOOK REVIEW: Code (International Sensory Assassin Network #4) by Mary TingCode (International Sensory Assassin Network #4)
by Mary Ting
Purchase on: Amazon
Add to: Goodreads

Synopsis:

Behind enemy lines, new soldiers will emerge, and unexpected heroes will rise.

Ava is a prisoner. And she is not the only rebel held hostage at ISAN's secret compound. As she plans an escape, the lives of the rebel prisoners are in her hands, along with those she thought were dead.

Rhett and his team desperately search for Ava while one of the Remnant Council joins forces with another network looking for the creator of the Helix serum. And time is running out. Mr. Novak has been secretly creating an army called CODE, and what he plans for Ava will mean a permanent end to the rebels--and her.


Review:

CODE was a heart pounding addition to the ISAN series!  With a gritty and rugged story-line, that held a lot of heart, this book was impossible to put down!  If you’re a fan of YA or dystopian, then you definitely need to add this series to your tbr!

 “You are worth every gamble I took to find you.”

The story started off right where GENE ended, with Eva and Rhett separated and so many lives at stake.  I know this isn’t how I normally write my reviews but I have to talk about the twists first!  They were brilliant!  There was so much at play, the story played out ingeniously and my mind was blown.  I gasped out loud multiple times, screamed and kept whispering to myself this isn’t how the story was supposed to go.  I didn’t see multiple things coming. But looking back, ohhhhhh the clues were there, I just put the pieces of the puzzle together wrong. So hold on, because this story will take you on a wild and crazy ride!

Sometimes when one person couldn’t see the light, another had to carry the torch. I would carry that torch and make it brighter for the both of us. – Ava

CODE was told in multiple POVs again and we got to spend the majority of our time with Ava and Rhett. They have a forever place in my heart. I love how they’re both smart, brave, caring, fearless and would do anything for each other.  And watching their love grow stronger and deeper in each book?! My happiness soars when they can breathe for a moment and are together. They are the ultimate power couple! In CODE both of their emotions were put through the wringer but they each had the same end goal. To take Novak and ISAN down. I loved how Ava continually looked for Novak and Gene’s weak points and was defiant to their plans. With a psychopath for a brother and monster for a father, my heart continually bled for Ava. I longed for her to be back together with Rhett, for him to help her feel his love.

Too late. Too late. Too late. The words echoed with devastating finality. – Mitch

We also got to hear parts of the story from Mitch.  Oh how he has grown on me.  If you asked me in ISAN if I liked Mitch….oh wow, I would have laughed out loud and told you no.  He was such an arrogant jerk.  But there was more than meets the eye.  Mitch was cunning and smart.  He felt things deeply.  And in CODE he made friends and so much I can’t talk about other then I loved, loved, loved it! It was more than I ever could have hoped for.  I’m just as invested in Mitch’s life and happiness, as Ava and Rhett. And that terrifies me.  The position Mitch is in is beyond dangerous and I never know if this current moment will be his last.

Justine couldn’t believe her fate. Damned if she did, and damned if she didn’t.
How do I do the right thing when I’m so scared, Mitch?

Justine was another who we got to spend some time with. I hated her. And to put all of my cards on the table, I hated her for even a good portion of this book too haha.  But getting to hear a few chapters in Justine’s head?!  Oh you guys.  She wiggled her way into my heart. Curse her lol.  Justine even made me cry tears that couldn’t be stopped.  Sigh.  So good luck trying to ignore all of the feelings she’ll pull from you, because for me it was impossible to ignore.

We would fight for justice.
We would fight for peace.
We would bring the rest of ISAN down.

In addition, we got to spend a few chapters with Chancellor Josephine Chang who was beyond fascinating.  Her ties and connections.  What she did when she was not around Rhett, Ava, Zen or the public eye, WOW. There’s not much I can say other then I enjoyed the little time we got to spend with Chancellor Chang and I’m hoping for something to happen in her future, fingers crossed!

Something crunched under Rhett’s feet. He looked down to see … bones. Human bones?
“Is that…?” Zeke gasped.
Cleo’s eyes rounded and her lips parted to scream.

CODE had it all! Horrific plans were made, traps were set, people switched sides, impossible decisions were made and there was even sacrifice.  I had sweaty palms in multiple situations.  And new enemies we meet…..one of them is what nightmares are made of *shudders*. At the end of the day, I was terrified because I cared for too many people.  But I smiled so much and loved being back with these people that feel like family to me.  They are the ultimate squad that I want to be a part of! Rhett, Ava, Mitch, Brooke, Ozzie, Reyna, Momo and a few others, I kept hoping they would all survive!

We girls should lift each other up, support each other. We should ignite each other’s beautiful souls and not douse them in darkness. And that was the kind of friendship I had with some of the girls at the rebel base. – Ava

Coursing with adrenaline, CODE was impossible to put down!  And with love and friendship winding throughout the pages, it evened this book out perfectly.  So with a richly imagined world, characters that leapt off the pages and a story that kept you turning just one more page, this book easily became an instant favorite! Plus it ended at the perfect stopping and breathing point.  But I’ll definitely be counting down until that next book comes out, I can’t wait!

Two other quotes that I loved…

I took another step toward him and another as something hot bubbled inside me. “I felt a lot of pain the second I found out you were my brother. It’s like being told the devil shares your blood. Do you even know what that feels like? Do you have any feelings at all?”- Ava
 
“Why me?” Mitch frowned.
Russ offered a sly grin. “You’re good at scheming and deceiving. That’s what you do well.”
Mitch chuckled. “Did you just give me a compliment? Are we getting along?”
Russ cackled and tapped the screen to close. “I think it’s a start of a beautiful friendship. But seriously , we’re here so think fast.”

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

Reading Order & Links:
Amazon (click on covers), iBooks (click on titles) & Book Depository (click on book #)

ISAN #1
Review:

Jen
 
HELIX   #2
Review:

Jen
 
GENES   #3
Review:

Jen

CODE   #4
Review:

Jen

About Mary Ting:

International Bestselling, Award-Winning Author Mary Ting writes soulful, spellbinding stories that excite the imagination and captivate readers all over the world. Her books run a wide range of genres: science fiction, fantasy, and swoon worthy stories. Her storytelling talents have won her a devoted legion of fans and garnered critical praise.

Mary was born in Seoul Korea and resides in Southern California with her husband, two children, and two dogs—Mochi and Mocha. She enjoys oil painting and making jewelry. Becoming an author was a way to grieve the death of her beloved grandmother. After realizing she wanted to become a full-time author, she retired from teaching after twenty years.

Website / Goodreads / Facebook Page / Facebook Group / Twitter / Instagram / Bookbub / News update

REVIEW & GIVEAWAY: GENES (International Sensory Assassin Network #3) by Mary Ting

REVIEW & GIVEAWAY: GENES (International Sensory Assassin Network #3) by Mary Ting

I’m so ecstatic to be on the GENES blog tour because I am obsessed with this series. So check out my 5 Star Review below and enter a fabulous giveaway. Enjoy ♥.

REVIEW & GIVEAWAY: GENES (International Sensory Assassin Network #3) by Mary TingGENES (International Sensory Assassin Network #3)
by Mary Ting
Purchase on: AmazoniBooks
Add to: Goodreads

Synopsis:

Allegiances will be tested. Identities will be revealed. No one is safe.

While searching for the HelixB88 anti-serum on the black market, Ava uncovers valuable intel that may help the rebels in their fight to bring down ISAN—the location of a hidden facility. But first, the insurgents must find the female citizens unexpectedly displaying powers without use of the Helix serum before ISAN captures them. As the rebels join forces with other sectors, ISAN plans their destruction by using someone they don’t suspect at the rebel home base: a traitor within.

Review:

“Bravery comes in all forms. You just have to know which suits you best.”

GENES was an explosion of action and adventure, I was beyond addicted.  With characters I loved, new twists and turns, being on the brink of war and so much unknown, I was glued to the pages.  The story was gritty and rugged, so it was impossible not to have tears in my eyes at times.  But love and friendship floated throughout the pages and added so much light and hope to their dark and dreary world.  So if you’re a fan of dystopian, characters that leap off of the pages and a story line that keeps you saying just one more chapter then this series is for you!  Some of my favorite things were…..

I would move mountains for you. I would shatter the world to bring you home to me. Love is a powerful thing. – Rhett

✮ Teamwork:

Against all odds, we had made it. I was here with him. Beside each other was where we belonged. Our home.
My throat clogged. “My wish came true when I remembered you.”

One of my favorite aspects of this story was how friendships felt like family.  They would do anything for each other and continually had each other’s backs, I loved watching them work together.  Especially when a few of them combined their powers.  And with different groups merging, it wasn’t always easy.  There were struggles at times.  But the devotion, commitment and trust that came from all of them created such huge feelings for me.  Which ultimately made me nervous lol.  No one was safe in this book and I found myself caring for even more people which terrified me.

 

✮ Action and Adventure:

I will not die today. We will not die today.
Like a dandelion, be resilient.

This whole series is action packed from that first page to the last.  Yes we got lots of moments where we could breathe and watch beautiful moments unfold between the characters.  And those added so much joy in my heart,  I loved catching myself sighing out loud.  But in the next instant we were up and going again. My pulse was pounding and this is the type of book that is easily devoured.  Emotions and tensions ran high and I loved every single minute of it!

 

✮ The Whole Picture:

“I know. It’s okay. Whatever it takes, remember.” I tried to sound strong for the both of us, but my voice cracked.
“I love you.” Rhett held me tightly as if I was his lifeline, and then he kissed me with desperation.

While Ava was still our main point of view, I loved how we got moments with Rhett again.  I’m obsessed with his thoughts on everything, especially with how he saw Ava.  But we got a few other characters point of views mixed in a little bit.  I won’t mention who, so it’s a surprise, but it was truly genius.  The peaks we got into a few other people’s heads rounded out the story so perfectly. There was so much at play, with so many moving parts, and it made me feel like I was watching a movie play out.  It. Was. Fabulous!

 

✮ The Characters:

“Why does it have to be another one of us to die? Why doesn’t ISAN die?”
Oh, my heart. Air left my lungs in gasps. I fought back the sting in my eyes and sank to my knees.

Whether it was Ava being brave and fierce, always protecting those she loved at all cost. To Rhett’s love that shined as bright as a star and being the voice of reason.  To Ozzie’s teddy bear ways that made me just want to squeeze him.  To Mitch’s complexity that pulled me in again and again, I loved learning a few more of his secrets.  To Tamara and her knife wielding ways.  To Momo, Bobo and Coco, oh I came to care for those kids so deeply.  Even to Mr Novak’s creepy and nefarious ways. These characters came alive.  They were complex and stood easily apart from one another.  Each one was so pivotal to this story, I loved it!

 

I fought the sting in my heart as I leaned back into Rhett’s arms. Moments like this were rare. We had to take all the good offered to us. No one knew what would happen tomorrow, or even an hour later.

GENES was my favorite book in this series!  I loved how even more pieces of the puzzle came together and the bigger picture is becoming more clear.  But it still felt insurmountable at times.  Thankfully as the story progressed, hope bloomed in my chest.  But beware, because there were setbacks that had me whispering no, no, no.  I found myself crying for death and being terrified over the fate of those I cared for.  But I also cried tears of happiness too.  So if you’re looking for a story that you can get completely lost in, definitely add this one to your tbr!  I can’t wait to see what happens next, especially after that ending!

PS I knew it!!

*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 / iBooks / Kobo

Reading Order & Links:
Amazon (click on covers), iBooks (click on titles) & Book Depository (click on book #)

ISAN #1
Review:

Jen
 
HELIX   #2
Review:

Jen
 
GENES   #3
Review:

Jen

CODE   #4
Review:

Jen

About Mary Ting:

International Bestselling, Award-Winning Author Mary Ting writes soulful, spellbinding stories that excite the imagination and captivate readers all over the world. Her books run a wide range of genres: science fiction, fantasy, and swoon worthy stories. Her storytelling talents have won her a devoted legion of fans and garnered critical praise.

Mary was born in Seoul Korea and resides in Southern California with her husband, two children, and two dogs—Mochi and Mocha. She enjoys oil painting and making jewelry. Becoming an author was a way to grieve the death of her beloved grandmother. After realizing she wanted to become a full-time author, she retired from teaching after twenty years.

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Schedule:

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