Eeeekkkk!!! I have been waiting and waiting for this sequel! After that cliffhanger in book 1, I have been positively dying to know what would happen next to Vala and her friends. Luckily, the waiting was worth it!!
Book 2 opens a bit differently than expected, giving you insight into previously unknown scenes leading up to that big climactic ending of the first book. After that “big event” that changed everything for Vala (can’t say what it is because MEGA SPOILERS!), our beloved heroine is much changed. For a while, the book takes a more character-driven approach, I’d say. You really get into Vala’s heart and head and see life through her eyes as she grapples with her internal struggles. Then all of a sudden, things take a turn. And when that happened… oh, boy. I kept scrolling through the pages, anxious to see what would happen. I truly had no idea what to expect or where the author would take the story. Of course, I had my hopes for how things would turn out, but I really feared there wouldn’t be a happy ending! To find out if there did end up being a happy ending… well, you’ll just have to read the book yourself! But I will say… THAT LAST SCENE ??? I have SO many questions!!!! I need book three STAT!
I loved revisiting Vala and seeing her grow and mature in a beautiful, inspiring way! We also get to meet new characters as well as get to know previous characters better, which was fun! The sibling relationship between Caleb and Vala was so sweet! Though, my favorite relationship in this book was between Reid and Sarah. ??? They are an unexpected pair with a bit of an unconventional romance, so I loved seeing their journey, along with Reid’s redemptive character arc!
Bravo, Brianna, for another excellent YA dystopian that not only captures the reader’s imagination, but their heart as well. Thank you to you and Vala for challenging all of us to be better and bolder Christains, no matter the cost!
If anyone is looking for a Christian dystopian thriller/adventure/romance… um, what are you waiting for? Get this book (or both books, if you haven’t read book 1) and start reading ASAP! You will not regret it! 5/5 Stars!
