Rebecca Royce
Micah (Warrior World Book 2)
by Rebecca Royce *****REVIEW
Micah Lyons. Warrior. Younger brother to Chad, older brother to Tia and the twins. Brother-in-law/close friend to Rachel, best friend to Deacon. The disappointment of the Mighty Lyon's family, at least in his father's eyes. In the before time he dreamed of being a fighter pilot. In today's world, his dreams are limited to mapping the scientist's underground, fighting vampires and werewolves, keeping civilians safe, staying alive. It's underground where his life changes. Brynna, a former vampire is also on her own mission in the underground and their paths keep crossing; mostly she keeps saving Micah's life. As the two become closer Genesis spirals out of control. Micah has decisions to make. He has to deal with his past if he wants a future with this girl. Of course, they both have to stay alive to see that future. The vampires and werewolves may not be as dangerous as the clones and Micah's own family.
Micah. Gorgeous. Brave. Broken. This is the story I have been waiting for. I fell in love with this damaged boy when he and Rachel paired up to take on the vampires after Chad's death. Rachel got her HEA, I demanded that Micah get one too. This is that story! Micah is such a complex character. He can't see his own worth due to the damaged inflicted by his father. His pain was palpable and his coping skills only set him up to feel empty and worthless. He's selfless, brave, loving. Brynna is his perfect match. Smart, lovely, brave. Guilt-ridden. They are both survivors. They both see the truth of the other. They both carry such heavy, burdens. Alone they are broken. Together they are strong. This is a beautiful matching.
This story is fantastic. This world that Rebecca has created is so rich and detailed, so complicated. She captures the best and worst of humanity. I was teary at the end because I felt that I was saying goodbye to the Warrior World. I don't know what Rebecca Royce has planned for the future; there could be more books. The twins could each get their own book (intriguing idea), Jason too but this seems like the end. We spent time catching up with every important person from the past. We know how their lives are going. We understand the path Genesis is on. The present is secure, the future is promising. All because of one young man who loves his family and friends enough to make the world a better place. If this is the end, thank you. It has been a tremendously entertaining journey. Rachel is one of my favorite heroines of fiction. Chad, Deacon, Jason, Keith, Brynna, and Lydia are each praiseworthy characters. The scientists and Icahn, the vampires and werewolves all fierce. It's hard to determine who the biggest monsters truly were. Each character, main or supporting were complete. No one was perfect, each flawed. Each action, good or bad had a determining motive whether it was a god-complex for power or a misguided need to sacrifice. Fear and love are equally powerful motivators. This is a series of survival. Humanity can be conquered but not destroyed. Micah is a perfect example. There's just something so very special about Micah. If this is the end, there's no better way to finish. Micah...
Micah. Gorgeous. Brave. Broken. This is the story I have been waiting for. I fell in love with this damaged boy when he and Rachel paired up to take on the vampires after Chad's death. Rachel got her HEA, I demanded that Micah get one too. This is that story! Micah is such a complex character. He can't see his own worth due to the damaged inflicted by his father. His pain was palpable and his coping skills only set him up to feel empty and worthless. He's selfless, brave, loving. Brynna is his perfect match. Smart, lovely, brave. Guilt-ridden. They are both survivors. They both see the truth of the other. They both carry such heavy, burdens. Alone they are broken. Together they are strong. This is a beautiful matching.
This story is fantastic. This world that Rebecca has created is so rich and detailed, so complicated. She captures the best and worst of humanity. I was teary at the end because I felt that I was saying goodbye to the Warrior World. I don't know what Rebecca Royce has planned for the future; there could be more books. The twins could each get their own book (intriguing idea), Jason too but this seems like the end. We spent time catching up with every important person from the past. We know how their lives are going. We understand the path Genesis is on. The present is secure, the future is promising. All because of one young man who loves his family and friends enough to make the world a better place. If this is the end, thank you. It has been a tremendously entertaining journey. Rachel is one of my favorite heroines of fiction. Chad, Deacon, Jason, Keith, Brynna, and Lydia are each praiseworthy characters. The scientists and Icahn, the vampires and werewolves all fierce. It's hard to determine who the biggest monsters truly were. Each character, main or supporting were complete. No one was perfect, each flawed. Each action, good or bad had a determining motive whether it was a god-complex for power or a misguided need to sacrifice. Fear and love are equally powerful motivators. This is a series of survival. Humanity can be conquered but not destroyed. Micah is a perfect example. There's just something so very special about Micah. If this is the end, there's no better way to finish. Micah...
Deacon (Warrior World #1)
by Rebecca Royce ****REVIEW
Deacon is the first book in Rebecca Royce's Warrior World, a spinoff of her Warrior series starring the incomparable Rachel Clancy. For those of you who read the series, you are familiar with Deacon, part scoundrel, part hero. If you haven't read the Warrior series, you are missing a rich backstory, however you can read it as a standalone. Deacon was born into a nightmare world, one where he was created only to service vampires. He was saved by Rachel who became his best friend. Convinced that he loved her, he was heartbroken when she chose another. He was also being consumed with guilt over the death of a friend. It all became too much, so he decided to leave their living habitat Genesis. With Micah Lyons, another Warrior he set off on an adventure to find what else the world had to offer and maybe find redemption along the way. Just two weeks outside of Genesis, he finds his reason, his way, his future.
Deacon and Micah come to the rescue of a young lady, Lydia and her small brother against werewolves. They are hailed as heroes when they return them to their home, an actual town. But this town has secrets, shameful and deadly. There's action, danger, suspense, mystery, friendship, forgiveness, and love.
This is a worthy successor to one of my favorite series. It's a great story with incredible characters, but it's so much more. It's a journey to find oneself; personal discovery and growth. It's a fight for survival against the monsters, but also an internal struggle. Deacon is so hard on himself. He has never been able to judge his own value and is the first to blame himself whenever anything goes wrong. He houses so much pain inside himself. This journey allows him to come into his own, become the man we all knew him to be. He's faced with challenges of many types and rises to the occasion.
No one creates better characters than Rebecca Royce. I think she's brilliant. Her characters are so complex, perfect yet flawed; so, so vulnerable. The appearance of other Genesis inhabitants was appreciated. I love the interwoven story showcasing loyalty and love. I can never get enough of this new world. The ending gives us a glimpse into the future and it's fascinating. It's also Micah's story, one I have been waiting for. I can't wait.
by Rebecca Royce ****REVIEW
Deacon is the first book in Rebecca Royce's Warrior World, a spinoff of her Warrior series starring the incomparable Rachel Clancy. For those of you who read the series, you are familiar with Deacon, part scoundrel, part hero. If you haven't read the Warrior series, you are missing a rich backstory, however you can read it as a standalone. Deacon was born into a nightmare world, one where he was created only to service vampires. He was saved by Rachel who became his best friend. Convinced that he loved her, he was heartbroken when she chose another. He was also being consumed with guilt over the death of a friend. It all became too much, so he decided to leave their living habitat Genesis. With Micah Lyons, another Warrior he set off on an adventure to find what else the world had to offer and maybe find redemption along the way. Just two weeks outside of Genesis, he finds his reason, his way, his future.
Deacon and Micah come to the rescue of a young lady, Lydia and her small brother against werewolves. They are hailed as heroes when they return them to their home, an actual town. But this town has secrets, shameful and deadly. There's action, danger, suspense, mystery, friendship, forgiveness, and love.
This is a worthy successor to one of my favorite series. It's a great story with incredible characters, but it's so much more. It's a journey to find oneself; personal discovery and growth. It's a fight for survival against the monsters, but also an internal struggle. Deacon is so hard on himself. He has never been able to judge his own value and is the first to blame himself whenever anything goes wrong. He houses so much pain inside himself. This journey allows him to come into his own, become the man we all knew him to be. He's faced with challenges of many types and rises to the occasion.
No one creates better characters than Rebecca Royce. I think she's brilliant. Her characters are so complex, perfect yet flawed; so, so vulnerable. The appearance of other Genesis inhabitants was appreciated. I love the interwoven story showcasing loyalty and love. I can never get enough of this new world. The ending gives us a glimpse into the future and it's fascinating. It's also Micah's story, one I have been waiting for. I can't wait.
Deacon and Micah come to the rescue of a young lady, Lydia and her small brother against werewolves. They are hailed as heroes when they return them to their home, an actual town. But this town has secrets, shameful and deadly. There's action, danger, suspense, mystery, friendship, forgiveness, and love.
This is a worthy successor to one of my favorite series. It's a great story with incredible characters, but it's so much more. It's a journey to find oneself; personal discovery and growth. It's a fight for survival against the monsters, but also an internal struggle. Deacon is so hard on himself. He has never been able to judge his own value and is the first to blame himself whenever anything goes wrong. He houses so much pain inside himself. This journey allows him to come into his own, become the man we all knew him to be. He's faced with challenges of many types and rises to the occasion.
No one creates better characters than Rebecca Royce. I think she's brilliant. Her characters are so complex, perfect yet flawed; so, so vulnerable. The appearance of other Genesis inhabitants was appreciated. I love the interwoven story showcasing loyalty and love. I can never get enough of this new world. The ending gives us a glimpse into the future and it's fascinating. It's also Micah's story, one I have been waiting for. I can't wait.
Justice (The Warrior #5)
My name is Rachel Clancy. These five words thrill me. Every book of Rebecca Royce's Warrior series begins with these words. Without a doubt, this is one of my favorite post-apocalyptic series. This is the final book of Rachel's story. It's time to finish the fight against Dr. Icahn once and for all. He may have ended the world; he may have ruled over it for years, but his time is over. Rachel has returned to Genesis. She has her parents, the Lyon's family, Keith and Tiffani, and she has Chad. She's happy, but she always knew this time would come. Some people don't get their happily ever after, they are only meant to battle. Rachel wants to live, after all, she's only 18, but it's more important that the world is rid of Dr. Icahn and that her loved ones are finally safe. She's ready to do whatever it takes.
Rachel is my hero. I love this character. Her capacity to love, her generous nature, her very human strengths and flaws. She's extraordinary. Chad is my ideal man. He strong, smart, easy on the eyes, and deeply in love with Rachel. Rachel and Chad together equals perfection. I could never have imagined them getting a second chance to be together after the devastation of his death and never has a reprieve been more satisfying. The other men in her life aren't ignored either. Her friendship with Micah has the feel of true siblings in this book. I loved their former partnership, but this is even better. Micah shows such depth, sensitivity, and pain in this book that I fell in love with him. Deacon makes a couple critical appearances and gets to redeem himself. We even get to remember Jason fondly. I love that all of Rachel's guys found their rightful spot in her heart and her life.
The book isn't all about Rachel's love life though. The final battle does take place. Deals are made with the devil and a heavy price is paid. There's danger and death. Revenge and justice. Triumph and heartache. There may even be happiness. Truly this book delivers. It ties up all loose ends, revisits all of the main and side characters. There's a nice blend of action and romance.
Rebecca Royce is a brilliant writer. Two years ago I was unfamiliar with her name. Today I grab up each book as it's released and I am making my way through all of her library. Her character development, her imagination, and her originality are second to none. I am a huge fan. I loved this series and couldn't have asked for a better ending. I will miss Rachel and Chad, but am confident that Rebecca's next book will be every bit as captivating.
My name is Rachel Clancy. These five words thrill me. Every book of Rebecca Royce's Warrior series begins with these words. Without a doubt, this is one of my favorite post-apocalyptic series. This is the final book of Rachel's story. It's time to finish the fight against Dr. Icahn once and for all. He may have ended the world; he may have ruled over it for years, but his time is over. Rachel has returned to Genesis. She has her parents, the Lyon's family, Keith and Tiffani, and she has Chad. She's happy, but she always knew this time would come. Some people don't get their happily ever after, they are only meant to battle. Rachel wants to live, after all, she's only 18, but it's more important that the world is rid of Dr. Icahn and that her loved ones are finally safe. She's ready to do whatever it takes.
The book isn't all about Rachel's love life though. The final battle does take place. Deals are made with the devil and a heavy price is paid. There's danger and death. Revenge and justice. Triumph and heartache. There may even be happiness. Truly this book delivers. It ties up all loose ends, revisits all of the main and side characters. There's a nice blend of action and romance.
Rebecca Royce is a brilliant writer. Two years ago I was unfamiliar with her name. Today I grab up each book as it's released and I am making my way through all of her library. Her character development, her imagination, and her originality are second to none. I am a huge fan. I loved this series and couldn't have asked for a better ending. I will miss Rachel and Chad, but am confident that Rebecca's next book will be every bit as captivating.
Redemption (The Warrior #4)
by Rebecca Royce ****STAR REVIEW
The Warrior Series by Rebecca Royce is the biggest roller coaster ride any book series has ever taken me on. EVER! Each book destroys every thing I thought to be true. Characters I adore take a turn at being awful; memories are not true; nothing is as it appears from one moment to the next! I love it! I've also never been more scared to turn a page. At any point someone may die or come back or try to kill Rachel. Rachel is the only constant in this series and she is magnificent.
Rachel made a deal with the devil himself, Icahn to bring back two of her loved ones; her mother and Chad Lyons. In return she had him erase her from everyone's memories. She lives at Redemption while life goes on at Genesis and in the wolf pack without any knowledge of her existence. After almost a year circumstances bring her back under the control of Genesis, back to people Rachel considers friends and family, back to people who consider her a stranger. And her friends aren't exactly the same as she left behind. It's heartbreaking.
The book alternates between present day Rachel and pre-Apocolypse Rachel. It's a fascinating way to shed light as to why her friends and family react the way they do; why certain friendships are strong and why others dislike one another. It's surreal to step into her once normal life, see her same friends, her parents, and know that at one time she was a typical teenage girl. Rachel struggles to make sense of her multiple pasts and reconcile them with the Rachel of today, the Rachel intent on destroying Icahn and his laboratory.
This is a thrilling, imaginative read with an incredible cast of characters. Chad and Micah Lyons, Deacon, and Jason all take a turn at competing for best Male Character, and sometimes for worst. The damage they do to Rachel's heart... Icahn is a most worthy opponent. He may be ego-maniacal and cruel, but he is also brilliant. With the action and non-stop twists and turns, I was riveted. I am in awe of Rebecca Royce. I can't wait to see what she comes up with next.
The Warrior Series by Rebecca Royce is the biggest roller coaster ride any book series has ever taken me on. EVER! Each book destroys every thing I thought to be true. Characters I adore take a turn at being awful; memories are not true; nothing is as it appears from one moment to the next! I love it! I've also never been more scared to turn a page. At any point someone may die or come back or try to kill Rachel. Rachel is the only constant in this series and she is magnificent.
Rachel made a deal with the devil himself, Icahn to bring back two of her loved ones; her mother and Chad Lyons. In return she had him erase her from everyone's memories. She lives at Redemption while life goes on at Genesis and in the wolf pack without any knowledge of her existence. After almost a year circumstances bring her back under the control of Genesis, back to people Rachel considers friends and family, back to people who consider her a stranger. And her friends aren't exactly the same as she left behind. It's heartbreaking.
The book alternates between present day Rachel and pre-Apocolypse Rachel. It's a fascinating way to shed light as to why her friends and family react the way they do; why certain friendships are strong and why others dislike one another. It's surreal to step into her once normal life, see her same friends, her parents, and know that at one time she was a typical teenage girl. Rachel struggles to make sense of her multiple pasts and reconcile them with the Rachel of today, the Rachel intent on destroying Icahn and his laboratory.
The book alternates between present day Rachel and pre-Apocolypse Rachel. It's a fascinating way to shed light as to why her friends and family react the way they do; why certain friendships are strong and why others dislike one another. It's surreal to step into her once normal life, see her same friends, her parents, and know that at one time she was a typical teenage girl. Rachel struggles to make sense of her multiple pasts and reconcile them with the Rachel of today, the Rachel intent on destroying Icahn and his laboratory.
This is a thrilling, imaginative read with an incredible cast of characters. Chad and Micah Lyons, Deacon, and Jason all take a turn at competing for best Male Character, and sometimes for worst. The damage they do to Rachel's heart... Icahn is a most worthy opponent. He may be ego-maniacal and cruel, but he is also brilliant. With the action and non-stop twists and turns, I was riveted. I am in awe of Rebecca Royce. I can't wait to see what she comes up with next.
Subversive (The Warrior #3)
by Rebecca Royce *****STAR REVIEW
Rachel Clancy is back in Subversive, Book 3 of The Warrior Series. Rachel is without a doubt one of the most kick-ass teen-age heroines ever. We pick back up exactly where we left off. She's tired of living day to day trying to survive vampire and werewolf attacks. She's tired of living by the rules set up by Icahn and still enforced by the adults of Genesis. She's ready to take the fight to their enemies and she has a group of young warriors with her. I love this series; the story, the characters. It's so full of passion, evokes so many emotions from me. It's quite the adventure!
In a world that has dangers, both known and unknown every minute of everyday, you must live every second on full alert. You must be ready to put your life on the line and to kill at all times. There is little room for personal interest. Despite this, Rachel lives. Even when she is numb, confused or hurting, she loves. She loves deeply. But she mostly feels alone. Her pain guts me. Her parent's death and failing, Chad's death, Jason's earlier betrayal and continuing werewolf deferral to his Alpha all hurt her, yet she is loyal to their memory and to their person. She considers herself unworthy, but she is so much better than most. I love the friendship between her and Micah. He's the brother she should have. I am over Jason. I understand pack law, but it makes him too weak for Rachel. I am in Deacon's corner now. This boy has been in love since he first saw her in a cage. She may consider him her best friend. There's no denying that, but he could also be the one. His honesty, his humor is exactly what she needs. Every time she comes into her tent to find him asleep, it makes me smile.
Each book of this series seems to get better and better. This one is so full of action, suspense, betrayals (both real and imaginary). It has surprises, some shocking. It's frustrating, gut-wrenching, gripping. It's addictive.
Rebecca Royce is an excellent author. She's imaginative. Her books are so original, full of twists and turns. There is no way you can ever predict what the next page will bring, much less how the book will turn out. She creates strong female characters and places them in these incredible worlds. They are surrounded by complex casts. Her characters are beautifully flawed and better because of their imperfections. This book is the perfect example. I was spellbound. I was enthralled. My heart celebrated with Rachel, cried with her, fumed with her. I was with her every step of the way. And when the book was over I was in disbelief. I got answers, I got my heart broken. This can't be it. I can't wait to see what is next for Rachel. This girl deserves much more. She deserves a HEA in an impossible world.
Rachel Clancy is back in Subversive, Book 3 of The Warrior Series. Rachel is without a doubt one of the most kick-ass teen-age heroines ever. We pick back up exactly where we left off. She's tired of living day to day trying to survive vampire and werewolf attacks. She's tired of living by the rules set up by Icahn and still enforced by the adults of Genesis. She's ready to take the fight to their enemies and she has a group of young warriors with her. I love this series; the story, the characters. It's so full of passion, evokes so many emotions from me. It's quite the adventure!
In a world that has dangers, both known and unknown every minute of everyday, you must live every second on full alert. You must be ready to put your life on the line and to kill at all times. There is little room for personal interest. Despite this, Rachel lives. Even when she is numb, confused or hurting, she loves. She loves deeply. But she mostly feels alone. Her pain guts me. Her parent's death and failing, Chad's death, Jason's earlier betrayal and continuing werewolf deferral to his Alpha all hurt her, yet she is loyal to their memory and to their person. She considers herself unworthy, but she is so much better than most. I love the friendship between her and Micah. He's the brother she should have. I am over Jason. I understand pack law, but it makes him too weak for Rachel. I am in Deacon's corner now. This boy has been in love since he first saw her in a cage. She may consider him her best friend. There's no denying that, but he could also be the one. His honesty, his humor is exactly what she needs. Every time she comes into her tent to find him asleep, it makes me smile.
Each book of this series seems to get better and better. This one is so full of action, suspense, betrayals (both real and imaginary). It has surprises, some shocking. It's frustrating, gut-wrenching, gripping. It's addictive.
Rebecca Royce is an excellent author. She's imaginative. Her books are so original, full of twists and turns. There is no way you can ever predict what the next page will bring, much less how the book will turn out. She creates strong female characters and places them in these incredible worlds. They are surrounded by complex casts. Her characters are beautifully flawed and better because of their imperfections. This book is the perfect example. I was spellbound. I was enthralled. My heart celebrated with Rachel, cried with her, fumed with her. I was with her every step of the way. And when the book was over I was in disbelief. I got answers, I got my heart broken. This can't be it. I can't wait to see what is next for Rachel. This girl deserves much more. She deserves a HEA in an impossible world.
In a world that has dangers, both known and unknown every minute of everyday, you must live every second on full alert. You must be ready to put your life on the line and to kill at all times. There is little room for personal interest. Despite this, Rachel lives. Even when she is numb, confused or hurting, she loves. She loves deeply. But she mostly feels alone. Her pain guts me. Her parent's death and failing, Chad's death, Jason's earlier betrayal and continuing werewolf deferral to his Alpha all hurt her, yet she is loyal to their memory and to their person. She considers herself unworthy, but she is so much better than most. I love the friendship between her and Micah. He's the brother she should have. I am over Jason. I understand pack law, but it makes him too weak for Rachel. I am in Deacon's corner now. This boy has been in love since he first saw her in a cage. She may consider him her best friend. There's no denying that, but he could also be the one. His honesty, his humor is exactly what she needs. Every time she comes into her tent to find him asleep, it makes me smile.
Each book of this series seems to get better and better. This one is so full of action, suspense, betrayals (both real and imaginary). It has surprises, some shocking. It's frustrating, gut-wrenching, gripping. It's addictive.
Rebecca Royce is an excellent author. She's imaginative. Her books are so original, full of twists and turns. There is no way you can ever predict what the next page will bring, much less how the book will turn out. She creates strong female characters and places them in these incredible worlds. They are surrounded by complex casts. Her characters are beautifully flawed and better because of their imperfections. This book is the perfect example. I was spellbound. I was enthralled. My heart celebrated with Rachel, cried with her, fumed with her. I was with her every step of the way. And when the book was over I was in disbelief. I got answers, I got my heart broken. This can't be it. I can't wait to see what is next for Rachel. This girl deserves much more. She deserves a HEA in an impossible world.
Driven (The Warrior #2)
by Rebecca Royce *****STAR REVIEW
Driven, the second book in Rebecca Royce's Warrior series returns the reader to Rachel Clancy and her life living as a teenager 47 years after Armageddon. It's 6 months after Jason left her and broke her heart, she's harder now, but it seems that Chad and Deacon are managing to break through her walls a little. When a startling discovery is made Chad and Rachel are sent on a mission to recruit help from another habitat and the story gets underway.
This is one of the most absorbing series I have ever read. The characters are genuine, the relationships are authentic. Rachel is an awesome lead female. She's perfectly flawed. She's not the best fighter or the best strategist. She's not the quickest, the strongest or the smartest. She's just Rachel. She's a blend of hormonal teen and seasoned warrior. She's caring, thoughtful, loyal; she is quick thinking, brave, and more selfless than she gives herself credit for. And she loves with every ounce of her being. She's special. The cast of characters that she is surrounded by all add so much to the story. Keith and Tiffani are the perfect example of love still existing when the world has ended. The Lyon's are her family, even though I don't think she fully realizes her importance to them. Deacon is a witty scoundrel and Chad is amazing. And of course Isaac Icahn is one of the best villians ever. He's cruel and ruthless, yet brilliant. It makes him formidable.
Once Rachel and Chad set off on their mission the action is non-stop. Situations come up that they could never have imagined. Unexpected encounters take place, good and bad. More than one capture occurs and new friends are made. Danger is everywhere and so is love. And with love comes heartbreak. This is not an easy world.
Driven is so well written. It's character driven that's still action packed. It's addictive. This one was packed with so much emotion, I was nearly overwhelmed. So much pain, yet at the end, there is hope and a spark of a new life, a better world. It's time to change the course of history once again. "My name is Rachel Clancy. I have a destiny. And when I've completed it, the ones who harmed us will have paid for their crimes." I LOVE this girl. I can't wait for the next book. She has so much fight in her. Her fight is fueled by her anger and pain, but ultimately by her love. I expect great things from her in the next book.
Driven, the second book in Rebecca Royce's Warrior series returns the reader to Rachel Clancy and her life living as a teenager 47 years after Armageddon. It's 6 months after Jason left her and broke her heart, she's harder now, but it seems that Chad and Deacon are managing to break through her walls a little. When a startling discovery is made Chad and Rachel are sent on a mission to recruit help from another habitat and the story gets underway.
This is one of the most absorbing series I have ever read. The characters are genuine, the relationships are authentic. Rachel is an awesome lead female. She's perfectly flawed. She's not the best fighter or the best strategist. She's not the quickest, the strongest or the smartest. She's just Rachel. She's a blend of hormonal teen and seasoned warrior. She's caring, thoughtful, loyal; she is quick thinking, brave, and more selfless than she gives herself credit for. And she loves with every ounce of her being. She's special. The cast of characters that she is surrounded by all add so much to the story. Keith and Tiffani are the perfect example of love still existing when the world has ended. The Lyon's are her family, even though I don't think she fully realizes her importance to them. Deacon is a witty scoundrel and Chad is amazing. And of course Isaac Icahn is one of the best villians ever. He's cruel and ruthless, yet brilliant. It makes him formidable.
Once Rachel and Chad set off on their mission the action is non-stop. Situations come up that they could never have imagined. Unexpected encounters take place, good and bad. More than one capture occurs and new friends are made. Danger is everywhere and so is love. And with love comes heartbreak. This is not an easy world.
Driven is so well written. It's character driven that's still action packed. It's addictive. This one was packed with so much emotion, I was nearly overwhelmed. So much pain, yet at the end, there is hope and a spark of a new life, a better world. It's time to change the course of history once again. "My name is Rachel Clancy. I have a destiny. And when I've completed it, the ones who harmed us will have paid for their crimes." I LOVE this girl. I can't wait for the next book. She has so much fight in her. Her fight is fueled by her anger and pain, but ultimately by her love. I expect great things from her in the next book.
This is one of the most absorbing series I have ever read. The characters are genuine, the relationships are authentic. Rachel is an awesome lead female. She's perfectly flawed. She's not the best fighter or the best strategist. She's not the quickest, the strongest or the smartest. She's just Rachel. She's a blend of hormonal teen and seasoned warrior. She's caring, thoughtful, loyal; she is quick thinking, brave, and more selfless than she gives herself credit for. And she loves with every ounce of her being. She's special. The cast of characters that she is surrounded by all add so much to the story. Keith and Tiffani are the perfect example of love still existing when the world has ended. The Lyon's are her family, even though I don't think she fully realizes her importance to them. Deacon is a witty scoundrel and Chad is amazing. And of course Isaac Icahn is one of the best villians ever. He's cruel and ruthless, yet brilliant. It makes him formidable.
Once Rachel and Chad set off on their mission the action is non-stop. Situations come up that they could never have imagined. Unexpected encounters take place, good and bad. More than one capture occurs and new friends are made. Danger is everywhere and so is love. And with love comes heartbreak. This is not an easy world.
Driven is so well written. It's character driven that's still action packed. It's addictive. This one was packed with so much emotion, I was nearly overwhelmed. So much pain, yet at the end, there is hope and a spark of a new life, a better world. It's time to change the course of history once again. "My name is Rachel Clancy. I have a destiny. And when I've completed it, the ones who harmed us will have paid for their crimes." I LOVE this girl. I can't wait for the next book. She has so much fight in her. Her fight is fueled by her anger and pain, but ultimately by her love. I expect great things from her in the next book.
Initiation (The Warrior #1)
by Rebecca Royce ****STAR REVIEW
Initiation is the first book in Rebecca Royce's Warrior Series. It's excellent. Well written, full of adventures, great characters, inciting plenty of emotions. This story is original, completely entertaining.
Rachel lives in a world where vampires and werewolves rule the earth and humans live underground. She lives with her disgraced father. He and her mother were once famed warriors, but when her mother was killed by a vampire, her father betrayed his position and turned to alcohol. Life has not been easy for Rachel since she carries the weight of her father's sins, but as she turns 16, it's about to become much more difficult. Deadly even. Rachel carries the warrior gene and has trained her entire life to go upside to carry on the human fight against the monsters. Few warriors live to an old age, most don't make it beyond the first 2 years, Rachel's odds are even lower. Sent on a solo mission to the next outpost, Rachel is attacked by a vampire and ends up with a werewolf pack . These aren't the monsters she has been taught about and she finds herself in conflict and in love. The werewolf Alpha also shares information with her that sends her back to her community that will change their world.
Rachel is amazing. No one writes better female characters than Rebecca Royce. Rachel is not perfect. She doesn't like the way she looks and is hard on herself about her abilities. But she's kind and loyal and brave. She loves hard. She tries to be her best. She doesn't realize that she's something special; all who know her love her. Her best friend's family considers her their own, her teachers see her as a daughter, the boys she meets above ground are all charmed. She is an inspiration to her people.
Events unfold that make Rachel doubt herself and love. Her ability to trust is severely shaken. Those who are supposed to love her the most have only managed to leave or hurt her. Authority figures have tried to destroy her. Now that she feels betrayed by her first love, she seems to be just existing, not living. Will her first love prove to be true? Will an old family friend prove to be more? Will a new friend become more? What will her new role be in this new world? I can't wait to start the next book in the series.
Rachel lives in a world where vampires and werewolves rule the earth and humans live underground. She lives with her disgraced father. He and her mother were once famed warriors, but when her mother was killed by a vampire, her father betrayed his position and turned to alcohol. Life has not been easy for Rachel since she carries the weight of her father's sins, but as she turns 16, it's about to become much more difficult. Deadly even. Rachel carries the warrior gene and has trained her entire life to go upside to carry on the human fight against the monsters. Few warriors live to an old age, most don't make it beyond the first 2 years, Rachel's odds are even lower. Sent on a solo mission to the next outpost, Rachel is attacked by a vampire and ends up with a werewolf pack . These aren't the monsters she has been taught about and she finds herself in conflict and in love. The werewolf Alpha also shares information with her that sends her back to her community that will change their world.
Rachel is amazing. No one writes better female characters than Rebecca Royce. Rachel is not perfect. She doesn't like the way she looks and is hard on herself about her abilities. But she's kind and loyal and brave. She loves hard. She tries to be her best. She doesn't realize that she's something special; all who know her love her. Her best friend's family considers her their own, her teachers see her as a daughter, the boys she meets above ground are all charmed. She is an inspiration to her people.
Events unfold that make Rachel doubt herself and love. Her ability to trust is severely shaken. Those who are supposed to love her the most have only managed to leave or hurt her. Authority figures have tried to destroy her. Now that she feels betrayed by her first love, she seems to be just existing, not living. Will her first love prove to be true? Will an old family friend prove to be more? Will a new friend become more? What will her new role be in this new world? I can't wait to start the next book in the series.
Lyndsey Pogue
Lyndsey Pogue
The Darkest Winter (Savage North Chronicles #1) by
One day Elle’s worst nightmares were from her past, the next she was living them. A simple virus signaled the end of the world. One minute she is all alone in the world estranged from her identical twin, the next she’s a pseudo mother/big sister to four orphans and accompanied by Jackson, a broken-hearted, drunken man. Brought together at the end in the worst possible circumstances, these six discover that it’s just the beginning. They must brave the harsh Alaskan world, face the cruelty and insanity of other survivors, and deal with the changes to their bodies after surviving the virus. The past is forever gone in the broken aftermath of the virus. The future is uncertain. To survive they must work together, to thrive they must become family.
I am a huge post-apocalyptic fan and one of my favorite series is The Ending. It is so well written, so creative, and so character driven. Obviously, I was thrilled that the original series was continuing with a spin-off of sorts with a new set of characters. The Alaska setting adds yet another dimension. You do not need to read the original series before this one but you should. It’s awesome. The original will also provide additional background for the virus that make parts of this story scarier. I am amazed with the ingenuity of this story weaving itself in with the other in such an original way. When I opened page one and discovered that the ending began on my birthday I was thrilled. While I may not admit it and there may or may not have been witnesses, I might have squealed. You can have your normal presents on your birthday; I will take the apocalypse! This book is outstanding! It is such a perfect essay of how much we stand to lose after we’ve lost everything. Life at the end is deadly, harsh, and unforgiving but there is beauty still. And family. And love. The characters are all so normal. They could be your neighbors, your co-workers or mates. They each had a set of baggage prior to the end and each had to find a way to move on in this new world. The dynamic of strangers of different ages with different backgrounds and life experience created a dynamic that was so realistic amid their new reality. I was captivated from the first page and had difficulty putting the book aside until I was finished. In times of great change and trauma people show their best or their worst. They discover previously hidden strengths or they perish. The chance encounters in this book must have been fated. These six strangers became the family they never expected to have. Their emotions became my emotions, their daily ups and downs, their small victories and defeats, and their milestones and events became my own. I celebrated and mourned with them, feared with them and for them. I became their seventh family member.
This is a large book. It’s absorbing and satisfying. It’s not enough. I am now invested in Elle, Jackson, Sophie, Alex, Beau, and little Thea. I can’t wait to see how they learn to manage their powers, where they decide to settle, and what the next part of their lives will be like!
One day Elle’s worst nightmares were from her past, the next she was living them. A simple virus signaled the end of the world. One minute she is all alone in the world estranged from her identical twin, the next she’s a pseudo mother/big sister to four orphans and accompanied by Jackson, a broken-hearted, drunken man. Brought together at the end in the worst possible circumstances, these six discover that it’s just the beginning. They must brave the harsh Alaskan world, face the cruelty and insanity of other survivors, and deal with the changes to their bodies after surviving the virus. The past is forever gone in the broken aftermath of the virus. The future is uncertain. To survive they must work together, to thrive they must become family.
I am a huge post-apocalyptic fan and one of my favorite series is The Ending. It is so well written, so creative, and so character driven. Obviously, I was thrilled that the original series was continuing with a spin-off of sorts with a new set of characters. The Alaska setting adds yet another dimension. You do not need to read the original series before this one but you should. It’s awesome. The original will also provide additional background for the virus that make parts of this story scarier. I am amazed with the ingenuity of this story weaving itself in with the other in such an original way. When I opened page one and discovered that the ending began on my birthday I was thrilled. While I may not admit it and there may or may not have been witnesses, I might have squealed. You can have your normal presents on your birthday; I will take the apocalypse! This book is outstanding! It is such a perfect essay of how much we stand to lose after we’ve lost everything. Life at the end is deadly, harsh, and unforgiving but there is beauty still. And family. And love. The characters are all so normal. They could be your neighbors, your co-workers or mates. They each had a set of baggage prior to the end and each had to find a way to move on in this new world. The dynamic of strangers of different ages with different backgrounds and life experience created a dynamic that was so realistic amid their new reality. I was captivated from the first page and had difficulty putting the book aside until I was finished. In times of great change and trauma people show their best or their worst. They discover previously hidden strengths or they perish. The chance encounters in this book must have been fated. These six strangers became the family they never expected to have. Their emotions became my emotions, their daily ups and downs, their small victories and defeats, and their milestones and events became my own. I celebrated and mourned with them, feared with them and for them. I became their seventh family member.
This is a large book. It’s absorbing and satisfying. It’s not enough. I am now invested in Elle, Jackson, Sophie, Alex, Beau, and little Thea. I can’t wait to see how they learn to manage their powers, where they decide to settle, and what the next part of their lives will be like!
I am a huge post-apocalyptic fan and one of my favorite series is The Ending. It is so well written, so creative, and so character driven. Obviously, I was thrilled that the original series was continuing with a spin-off of sorts with a new set of characters. The Alaska setting adds yet another dimension. You do not need to read the original series before this one but you should. It’s awesome. The original will also provide additional background for the virus that make parts of this story scarier. I am amazed with the ingenuity of this story weaving itself in with the other in such an original way. When I opened page one and discovered that the ending began on my birthday I was thrilled. While I may not admit it and there may or may not have been witnesses, I might have squealed. You can have your normal presents on your birthday; I will take the apocalypse! This book is outstanding! It is such a perfect essay of how much we stand to lose after we’ve lost everything. Life at the end is deadly, harsh, and unforgiving but there is beauty still. And family. And love. The characters are all so normal. They could be your neighbors, your co-workers or mates. They each had a set of baggage prior to the end and each had to find a way to move on in this new world. The dynamic of strangers of different ages with different backgrounds and life experience created a dynamic that was so realistic amid their new reality. I was captivated from the first page and had difficulty putting the book aside until I was finished. In times of great change and trauma people show their best or their worst. They discover previously hidden strengths or they perish. The chance encounters in this book must have been fated. These six strangers became the family they never expected to have. Their emotions became my emotions, their daily ups and downs, their small victories and defeats, and their milestones and events became my own. I celebrated and mourned with them, feared with them and for them. I became their seventh family member.
This is a large book. It’s absorbing and satisfying. It’s not enough. I am now invested in Elle, Jackson, Sophie, Alex, Beau, and little Thea. I can’t wait to see how they learn to manage their powers, where they decide to settle, and what the next part of their lives will be like!
Borne of Sand and Scorn: A Forgotten Lands Series Prequel by Lindsey Pogue ****REVIEW
Borne of Sand and Scorn tells of a time in Victorian America at the very beginning of the Shift. Humans have ruined the earth; deadly fogs hang over cities, sandstorms destroy open areas. There is no water. Elizabeth West has lived in Baltimore her entire life. She has never seen the sun, only grey skies. By the time her family decides to leave for the West, Sagebrush Canyon, she has lost friends and her brother to the Black Lung. Her mother is very sick and Lizzy, herself can feel the illness in her chest. Still, the move will give them a chance at survival. Her father, a doctor, can work on finding a cure, they will be away from the fogs, away from the death. However, when they arrive they face a new set of challenges. The land is hot, dry, mostly barren. It's a wild country. Sagebrush is a "town of zero consequence in the middle of deserted nowhere". Lizzy's mom is worsening and her father may be going mad. She's alone. But not completely. Brandon Cunningham is the town Marshall and finds himself intrigued with Lizzy. Maybe there is a future worth looking forward to after all.
This is a small snapshot into the lives of Lizzy and Brandon, the ancestors of the family featured in Dust and Shadow, the first of the Forgotten Lands series. It's a glimpse into the town of Sagebrush and it's earlier citizens. It's the story of the butterfly pendant. It's remarkable. There's nothing particularly special about Lizzy and Brandon. They weren't famous, they didn't do anything extraordinary for the history books. Yet that's not exactly true. They mattered. They survived. They lived. They loved. Sagebrush owes it's existence to the kindness and strength of these two and a handful of others. It's a beautifully simple story of humanity. The writing is so detailed that I was transported. I wasn't a reader, I was a citizen of Sagebrush. I felt the dry heat and wore layers of dust. I shopped at Maybry's Mercantile, ate the Mason's preserves, played with Fish. I felt the fear of a changing land and the terror of the first sandstorms. I cried with Lizzy and felt Brandon's pain and confusion. I felt the first flutterings between Lizzy and Brandon. I was enthralled with this story from beginning to end.
Borne of Sand and Scorn tells of a time in Victorian America at the very beginning of the Shift. Humans have ruined the earth; deadly fogs hang over cities, sandstorms destroy open areas. There is no water. Elizabeth West has lived in Baltimore her entire life. She has never seen the sun, only grey skies. By the time her family decides to leave for the West, Sagebrush Canyon, she has lost friends and her brother to the Black Lung. Her mother is very sick and Lizzy, herself can feel the illness in her chest. Still, the move will give them a chance at survival. Her father, a doctor, can work on finding a cure, they will be away from the fogs, away from the death. However, when they arrive they face a new set of challenges. The land is hot, dry, mostly barren. It's a wild country. Sagebrush is a "town of zero consequence in the middle of deserted nowhere". Lizzy's mom is worsening and her father may be going mad. She's alone. But not completely. Brandon Cunningham is the town Marshall and finds himself intrigued with Lizzy. Maybe there is a future worth looking forward to after all.
This is a small snapshot into the lives of Lizzy and Brandon, the ancestors of the family featured in Dust and Shadow, the first of the Forgotten Lands series. It's a glimpse into the town of Sagebrush and it's earlier citizens. It's the story of the butterfly pendant. It's remarkable. There's nothing particularly special about Lizzy and Brandon. They weren't famous, they didn't do anything extraordinary for the history books. Yet that's not exactly true. They mattered. They survived. They lived. They loved. Sagebrush owes it's existence to the kindness and strength of these two and a handful of others. It's a beautifully simple story of humanity. The writing is so detailed that I was transported. I wasn't a reader, I was a citizen of Sagebrush. I felt the dry heat and wore layers of dust. I shopped at Maybry's Mercantile, ate the Mason's preserves, played with Fish. I felt the fear of a changing land and the terror of the first sandstorms. I cried with Lizzy and felt Brandon's pain and confusion. I felt the first flutterings between Lizzy and Brandon. I was enthralled with this story from beginning to end.
This is a small snapshot into the lives of Lizzy and Brandon, the ancestors of the family featured in Dust and Shadow, the first of the Forgotten Lands series. It's a glimpse into the town of Sagebrush and it's earlier citizens. It's the story of the butterfly pendant. It's remarkable. There's nothing particularly special about Lizzy and Brandon. They weren't famous, they didn't do anything extraordinary for the history books. Yet that's not exactly true. They mattered. They survived. They lived. They loved. Sagebrush owes it's existence to the kindness and strength of these two and a handful of others. It's a beautifully simple story of humanity. The writing is so detailed that I was transported. I wasn't a reader, I was a citizen of Sagebrush. I felt the dry heat and wore layers of dust. I shopped at Maybry's Mercantile, ate the Mason's preserves, played with Fish. I felt the fear of a changing land and the terror of the first sandstorms. I cried with Lizzy and felt Brandon's pain and confusion. I felt the first flutterings between Lizzy and Brandon. I was enthralled with this story from beginning to end.
Dust and Shadow (Forgotten Lands #1)
by Lindsey Pogue ****REVIEW
Dust and Shadow is the fantastic new book by Lindsey Pogue of the world after 'the shift'. It's a dystopian world that's a clever blend of old west and dust bowl era, a land ruined by drought and lightning. It's a book of deceits and revenge, evils, and deprivation, but ultimately it's a story of survival, new beginnings, and love.
by Lindsey Pogue ****REVIEW
Dust and Shadow is the fantastic new book by Lindsey Pogue of the world after 'the shift'. It's a dystopian world that's a clever blend of old west and dust bowl era, a land ruined by drought and lightning. It's a book of deceits and revenge, evils, and deprivation, but ultimately it's a story of survival, new beginnings, and love.
Sagebrush Canyon is an unforgiving town. Water is a scarcity, the town is ruled by fear, the good, strong people are defeated. This is the world that Josephine (Jo) Mason lives in. "Never ever go outside during a storm." Something everyone knew. Yet Jo lost her mother during a sandstorm when she was only 9 years old. When the Marshall brought her body home, the family was told that her mother died at the hands of drifters while out in the storm. But that's not what Papa believed happened.... That night Jo not only lost her mama but paid the price for being her daughter. Since then she has lived in fear of the hated Marshal Cunningham. When she accidentally stumbles upon her family's secrets, the Marshal's secrets, the town's secrets, Jo thinks that she can finally put an end to his cruel reign. Instead, she puts herself and her family in danger and is being forced to marry his son Clayton. Something has to give in this harsh land, but who will be left standing? Excuses have been made for generations, secrets kept, justifications for wrongdoing. Now is the time for a new day.
Lindsey Pogue crafted an exceptional backdrop for this story. The world-building is exceptional. You can feel the grit against your skin as you read. The town feels authentic and it's citizens tangible. Jo is an outstanding lead female; strong, smart, stubborn, loving, feisty, and not at all like the other ladies. Even as a semi-recluse, she seemed to stand brighter than the others. She did come off a bit too abrasive at times, so I was glad when she let her guard down. Clayton does not start off at his best. He's a gambling, drunken, whoring waste of a man. Even when he cleaned up his act, he drank too much. He was blind to many of his father's sins and hid from the truth. He was also the perfect example of how a man can change for the better, how he can grow up when he discovers true love. Jo and Clayton together are a perfect match. The side characters were a rich sampling of society from the sweet Scarlet and lonely Kitty, to the ruined Marshal and the evil Doyle to the wonderful older women and the beautiful young children.
I truly enjoyed this book. I liked everything from it's clever title to its beautiful cover. (I want a charm with the butterfly/key). The story was well-written, a perfect blend of suspense and romance. I look forward to more of this world in the next book.
World Before: A Collection of Stories (The Ending Series, #5)by Lindsey Pogue and Lindsey Fairleigh *****Star Rating
Every ending has a beginning. This is the first line of the blurb describing The Ending Series: World Before. It's so simple, yet says so much. It's the perfect intro. The Ending Series by the Lindsey's is one of the best apocalyptic series ever written in my opinion. The story is multi-layered; it is startling in its simplicity and possibility. The characters are so complex, so likable. It's an addictive series. This book is it's before and after. The story is being told by Zoe, one of the original survivors. She is an empath, but not only can she feel other's emotions, she can see their memories, and get a sense of who they are. This is a burden that she can't share, so she begins to keep a journal. The journal is a glimpse into who the early survivors were. The men, women, and children who lived through the ending and started the world back up again. Through Zoe's words, we get to experience life before the ending and a bit of the new beginning.
It was wonderful to revisit the beloved characters, Zoe, Dani, and Jason from the original books. I love these three! It was equally good to get snapshots of side characters and others we lost along the way. Truly, this was an unexpected gift, these peeks back at the before and in the early days. It's a reminder of how much I loved the series. The excerpts from Zoe's journal ended all too soon but left me with a sweet anticipation.
The Ending Series: The Complete Series by Lindsey Pogue and Lindsey Fairleigh
*****STAR RATING
I loved this series. Loved the strong sister-bond between Dani and Zoe, the lengths they went to be together again and the world they created between that bond. This group didn't just survive the virus apocalypse, they truly lived. They loved, made a large life-long family, a new life which will be the start of a new world. The danger, the plot twists, the joy and heartache of love. Love is written on these pages in so many forms; love between men and women, parent and child, friends; I loved it all. My personal favorite was Dani and Jason. They have a love that makes each person better, stronger; a love that has to be fought for and is appreciated. I completely immersed myself in this series. Several nights I stayed up way to late reading. It was impossible to put down and I didn't even try. If you love post-apocalyptic stories, this is the perfect series for you.
No comments:
Post a Comment