Blog Tour- Primal Animals

Title: Primal Animals (Goodreads)

Author: Julia Lynn Rubin
Publisher: Wednesday Books
Genre: Horror, LGBTQ+
Age Group: YA

Source: ARC (epub)

Rating: ⭐⭐

Tour Schedule

Review

I would like to start off by saying a big thank you to TBR Beyond reads, Wednesday Books, and Julia Rubin for allowing me to be a part of this blog tour and for having a chance to read this new exciting book in advance of its publication.

Primal Animals is definitely a book worth reading if you love spooky horrors and exciting creepy twists! This is one to add to your tbr pile for the spooky season this year. Primal Animals is perfect for readers if you ever watched Parent Trap but hoped for something with a darker twist to the summer camp story.

“So, you get what I mean, then? I mean, it’s beautiful here. It’s…almost like paradise. But there’s something off, too. You know? […] I’ve felt that way since my first summer. I remember being so excited, that this place was so cool, and these people were so awesome…but then…things change you. Things I think you can only understand once you’ve spent time here.”

I can see why there will be many readers that really enjoy this book. Unfortunately, it just wasn’t for me. This is because the girls and story felt too juvenile to me in the first half of the book and therefore I lost interest in what would happen to them and how the story would progress to explore the darker sides of the summer camp. That is why I gave Primal Animals a two star rating because I couldn’t regain the intrigue I started off with coming into the story.

That said, I continued to read the book because I respect the time and efforts it takes an author to write a book and there was still a part of me that wanted to see how the darker side played out. The darker theme of this book is definitely when this book started to get creepy and intriguing again and I became reinvested in the book for the last half.

Overall, I would still recommend this book to readers who are looking for a book with darker themes, as there is plenty in Primal Animals. Also, this book is LGBTQ+ which for readers who want to read more about stories with diverse sexualities than this is one to check out. This was also one of the reasons why I would be tempted to push my rating upwards because I believe diversity in books and reflecting this in our literature is important. Do go and check out Primal Animals and give some love to this book and its author Julia as it’s a really refreshing new book which incorporates themes of insectophobia, creepy cults, and summer romance.

‘For just a moment, there’s a brief, beautiful stillness between us. A comfortable kind of silence you usually only feel between people you’ve known a long time. Outside, the birds chirp and other girls talk and laugh, and I realize that I could just stay here, on this bed with Winnie, in this silence, all damn summer long.’

Synopsis

Protect the girls

Arlee Gold is anxious about spending the summer at the college prep Camp Rockaway—the same camp her mother attended years ago, which her mother insists will help give Arlee a “fresh start” and will “change her life.” Little does Arlee know that, once she steps foot on the manicured grounds, this will prove to be true in horrifying ways.

Even though the girls in her cabin are awesome—and she’s developing a major crush on the girl who sleeps in the bunk above her—the other campers seem to be wary of Arlee, unwilling to talk to her or be near her, which only ramps up her paranoia. When she’s tapped to join a strange secret society, Arlee thinks this will be her shot at fitting in…until her new “sisters” ask her to do the unthinkable, putting her life, and the life of her new crush, in perilous danger. 

Content Warning: Blood, gore, mentions of Sexual harassment/assault

Book Links:

Goodreads / Amazon / Barnes & Noble / Indigo / IndieBound / Book Depository

Author Information

Julia Lynn Rubin lives the writer’s life in Brooklyn, where she finished an MFA in Writing for Children & Young Adults at The New School in 2017. For three years she served as a writing mentor for Girls Write Now, New York City’s premiere writing program for high school girls, and she continues to facilitate pre-K literacy programs throughout Brooklyn at libraries and family shelters.

Julia has been writing books, poems, and stories since first grade, and loves reading about everything from film analysis (she’s a film nerd) to psychology and philosophy. Her short stories have appeared in publications such as the North American Review, Sierra Nevada Review, and The Lascaux Review, and she has written for a variety of online publications, including BuzzFeed, The Content Strategist, Fatherly, and Wetpaint Entertainment.

Julia is passionate about realism and diversity in teen literature. She hopes to one day own a French bulldog, pug, Boston terrier, or perhaps a mix of all three. She loves indie films, drag shows, and spending as much time as possible at the beach.​

She is represented by Lauren Spieller of Triada US Literary Agency 

Author Links:

Website / Twitter / Instagram / Goodreads / Facebook

Blog Tour - Two Truths and a Lie

Title: Two Truths and a Lie (Goodreads)

Author: April Henry
Publisher: Christy Ottaviano Books
Genre: Thriller, Mystery 
Age Group: YA

Source: ARC (epub)

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Tour Schedule

Review

I would like to start by saying a huge thank you to TBR Beyond for allowing me to join this blog tour. As well as a massive thank you to Christy Ottaviano Books and especially April Henry for allowing me to read Two Truths and a Lie before publication. Thank you!!

“I feel like there’s something really wrong with this place. Like it doesn’t want us here.” As he is speaking, the wind picks up with a huge moan. A sudden gust blows straight down the chimney, making the fire gutter again. […] Out in the hall, there’s a series of soft, surreptitious sounds. And then I see it. A hooded figure sneaking up on us. Something long and narrow rests on its shoulder. It looks like a shotgun.’

Two Truths and a Lie was such a quick, exhilarating, and suspenseful read. I devoured this book in only two days! After the moment I started to read I did not want to stop and enjoyed the spooky drama that unfolded. I very rarely find a good worthwhile thriller that keeps me engaged and interested, only because it is not my usual first choice of genre to read. That is why I would recommend this book to anyone who also struggles to find a good thriller when it is not their usual first choice of genre to read.

As I said, I really enjoyed the spooky atmosphere created by April Henry in Two Truths and a Lie, after all isn’t that what a good thriller provides? What also stood out for me was the issues raised regarding stereotyping in the media and people trafficking. These issues aren’t developed in huge detailed essays but comfortably raised in the context of the story and interconnected with the overall thriller plot of being stuck with an enthusiastic murderer.

I would completely recommend this book to all other readers. Not only because it was quick, spooky and easy to read but I was truly invested in finding out who would make it out alive and who enjoyed murdering innocent stranded motel guests. Go and give Two Truths and a Lie a read and share some love for April Henry for writing such a fun and exciting new thriller!

“Just because he’s nice not a bloodthirsty terrorist or some crazy religious martyr doesn’t mean it’s not hurtful. Just because he’s nice, even lovable, doesn’t make it okay. Apu never changes. He doesn’t get to grow like the other characters. Even Flanders became a widower. Everyone deserves to be a character, not a caricature.”

Synopsis

A group of teens are trapped in an old motel with a murderer in this chilling YA mystery by New York Times bestselling author April Henry.

Nell has always wanted to be an actor, but doubts her ability. As a member of her school’s theater program, she prefers working backstage. On the way to a contest, an unexpected blizzard strands her acting troupe in a creepy motel. Soon they meet a group of strangers from another high school—including the mysterious and handsome Knox, who insists they play the game Two Truths and a Lie. When it’s Nell’s turn, she draws a slip of paper inked in unfamiliar handwriting:

I like to watch people die.

I’ve lost count of how many people I’ve killed.

Suddenly a night of harmless fun turns into a matter of life and death. As guests go missing, it becomes clear that a murderer is hiding in their midst ready to strike again. In a room full of liars and performers, the truth is never quite what it seems. Nell is going to have to act like her life depends on it—because it does. 

Book Links:

Goodreads / Amazon / Barnes & Noble / Indigo / IndieBound / Book Depository

Author Information

New York Times-bestselling author April Henry knows how to kill you in a two-dozen different ways. She makes up for a peaceful childhood in an intact home by killing off fictional characters. There was one detour on April’s path to destruction:  when she was 12 she sent a short story about a six-foot tall frog who loved peanut butter to noted children’s author Roald Dahl. He liked it so much he showed it to his editor, who asked if she could publish it in Puffin Post, an international children’s magazine. By the time April was in her 30s, she had started writing about hit men, kidnappers, and drug dealers. She has published 26 mysteries and thrillers for teens and adults, with more to come. She is known for meticulously researching her novels to get the details right.  

Author Links:

Website / Twitter / Goodreads / Facebook

Key Quote

‘For many of us, theatre is our truest family, sometimes our only family. Theater is the place where being weird is embraced, not shunned. We know what we're like when we're stripped of everything, literally and figuratively – and yet we still love one another.’

Blog Tour - The Knave of Secrets

Title: The Knave of Secrets (Goodreads)

Publisher: Rebellion Publishing

Genre: Fantasy

Author: Alex Livingston

Age Group: Adult

Source: Paperback ARC

I would truly like to start by thanking TheWriteReads for asking me to be a part of this book tour. I am also very grateful to Rebellion Publishing for providing me with an arc for this book. Also, the hugest thank you goes to Alex for writing such an intriguing book!

Review

When offered the chance to join this blog tour I was really excited by the books premise, a magician turned cardsharp to gamble and win a secret. The Knave of Secrets doesn’t disappoint and most certainly delivers what it states in the blurb, however for me personally I wasn’t as excited once I started reading the book.

The Knave of Secrets though it wasn’t personally for me does have its high points which I can see will appeal to other readers. What I did respect and enjoy was the complexities of the world building and multiple narrative perspectives (which will appeal to many more readers too). This book certainly has a very complex magical system which is explored through Valen and Tenerieve who met and studied magic together at the Seminaire academy. As I said this complex magical system will be enjoyable to a number of readers. The reason that I struggled to enjoy it was because it felt too complex and disconnected due to the multiple narratives that didn’t always feel like they followed on easily from one another. To me the multiple perspectives felt like they jumped too much for me to keep up at times. That said, the multiple perspectives also allow for Mr Livingston to explore and expand the world so that readers can have a wider perspective of the world, not just contained to one or two oppositional viewpoints, as well as to better understand the value of the stolen and much sought after secret.

‘A spellbook in the hands of a novice could be dangerous, to say nothing of the ownership of the ideas within. Thus any paper book of spells bore some sort of encryption, normally hidden.’

Besides the excitement and political intrigue the pacing of this book was slightly too long for me. We know going into The Knave of Secrets that we will encounter a gambling den where players trade their secrets, not just their money, and so this was why the book is new and exciting. It took over 100 pages, nearly around 170, before the big secret was finally won and revealed by Valen. Therefore, as I said the pacing for me felt too long and drawn out due to the time spent building up to the game losing some of the initial excitement I had going into this book.

However, what stood out for me instead was the exploration of Tenerieve and her status as an outsider. I always enjoy books which explore important themes through the safety of a fantasy world. Tenerieve is born among the Mistigri people, the closest comparison is our worlds known travelling communities, and therefore she is seen as an outsider and mistrustful by most other than her trusted and close companions. I enjoyed not only the questions and issues raised about how certain communities and individuals become ostracized but the found family that Tenerieve finds amongst her companions with Jaq, Valen, and Margo. This to me was the stand out element for The Knave of Secrets.

“Ten, you wouldn’t have believed me otherwise, but you have a home here. With me and Margo. I knew you would try to make amends with the Seminaire, to prove you were no threat to them; those are the skills that have kept you alive. We wanted to show you that we understand. If we had told you about our suspicions, you would have run off.”

Synopsis

A twisty tale of magicians, con artists and card games, where secrets are traded and gambled like coin, for fans of The Lies of Locke Lamora and The Mask of Mirrors.

Never stake more than you can afford to lose.

When failed magician turned cardsharp Valen Quinol is given the chance to play in the Forbearance Game—the invitation-only tournament where players gamble with secrets—he can’t resist. Or refuse, for that matter, according to the petty gangster sponsoring his seat at the table. Valen beats the man he was sent to play, and wins the most valuable secret ever staked in the history of the tournament.

Now Valen and his motley crew are being hunted by thieves, gangsters, spies and wizards, all with their own reasons for wanting what’s in that envelope. It’s a game of nations where Valen doesn’t know all the rules or who all the players are, and can’t see all the moves. But he does know if the secret falls into the wrong hands, it could plunge the whole world into war…

Key Quotes

‘[Margo] told her that this is what a home meant. That you were always forgiven.’

‘He spun to see the silhouette of the hunter against the glow of the torch light […] He had not figured, though, that the bastard would take it upon himself to start shooting people when he lost.’

‘A criminal is always well-versed in the precise details of the law she breaks.’

‘Words had power. Words could kill. And secret words all the more.’

Author information

Alex Livingston

Alex Livingston grew up in various quiet New England towns before moving to Buffalo, NY to study English at Canisius College. He writes SFF prose and interactive fiction. Alex is married and lives in an old house with his brilliant wife and a pile of aged videogame systems.

Blog Tour - You'll Be the Death of Me

Title: You'll Be the Death of Me (Goodreads)

Publisher: Penguin

Genre: Mystery, Thriller, Contemporary, Crime

Author: Karen M. McManus

Age Group: YA

Source: Netgalley

I would truly like to thank TheWriteReads for asking me to be a part of this book tour. I am also very grateful to Penguin for providing me with a Netgalley link to this book. Lastly and most importantly the biggest thank you goes to Karen M. McManus for writing such an exciting book!

Review

If you are looking for a fun, quick and snappy read than look no further than You'll Be the Death of Me! This is my first time reading a book by McManus and I can see why she has become a popular fast-selling author. Her books are full of surprises and energy, they are very quick reads and accessible to all readers. I truly enjoyed the fast pace of You'll Be the Death of Me and the suspense of the murder mystery.

However, what this book lacked for me was complex characters and a fully engaging plot. Perhaps it is possible to argue that the murder mystery genre itself does not stereotypically allow for complex characters to develop and I am being unfair to the author and her book, in that case I will happily put my hands up and admit I am not reading the right genre. In relation to the plot, yes it moves quickly, but to me it did not feel like a lot developed in the middle of the book which would have allowed an exciting build up to the conclusion.

There was a lot a teen angst and perhaps this took centre stage instead of trying to resolve the murder mystery. Most of Ivy’s and Mateo’s narrative near the end of the novel shifted away from the murder focus and onto their unresolved teenage romantic feelings and it just didn’t fit in with the overall plot for me. Cal unfortunately becomes the desperate third wheel and struggles to get the narrative back on track towards finding out who the killer was. Their overall friendship then became unbalanced and off kilter which made me struggle with the final chapters of the book.

In the end, I did enjoy this book mainly because it was so easy and quick to read but overall I struggled with the lack of character development and midway detour through teenage love town. That being said, if you enjoy the murder mystery genre and don’t mind easy going characters than You'll Be the Death of Me is worth a read for you.

Synopsis

When three old friends re-live an epic ditch day, it goes horribly-and deadly-wrong.

Ivy, Mateo, and Cal used to be close. Back in middle school they were best friends. So, when Cal pulls into campus late for class, and runs into Ivy and Mateo, it seems like the perfect opportunity to turn a bad day around. They'll ditch school and go into the city. Just the three of them, like old times. Why did they stop hanging out, anyway?

As soon as they pull out of the parking lot Cal knows why. Ivy's already freaking out about missing class, and heartthrob Mateo is asleep in the backseat, too cool to even pretend like he wants to be there. The truth is they have nothing in common anymore.

At least they don't until they run into the fourth student ditching school that day. Brian "Boney" Mahoney is supposed to be accepting his newly won office of class president. Which is why Ivy follows him into an empty building, only to walk into the middle of a murder scene. Cal, Ivy, and Mateo all know the person lying on the ground of that building, and now they need to come clean. They're all hiding something. And maybe their chance reconnection wasn't by chance after all.

Key Quotes

'I haven't been in a fight in years, but its like riding a bike, I guess - you don't forget how.'

"You know, you don't have to do everything on your own." "What?" My eyes are following hers, and my ears need a second to catch up. "You can ask people for help. It's not a sign of weakness."

"It's pretty crap security to have one key for everything," I say. "Well this is Carlton." Ivy steps through the doorway, and i follow. "Nothing bad is ever supposed to happen here, right?"

Similar Reads

Lies Like Wildfire, Killer Content, A Good Girl's Guide to Murder, One of Us Is Lying, The Inheritance Games, S.T.A.G.S

Blog Tour Spotlight - Lies Like Wildfire

Title: Lies Like Wildfire (Goodreads)

Publisher: Penguin

Genre: Mystery, Thriller, Contemporary

Author: Jennifer Lynn Alvarez

Age Group: YA

Source: Netgalley

I would like to thank TheWriteReads, Penguin and Jennifer Lynn Alvarez for such a great opportunity to read this book in advance of its official publication.

This is definitely a book that will entice and grab readers who love a fast paced action thriller mystery!

Available to buy now:

Waterstones

Foyles

Amazon

'Now that we've buried the secret, we have to bury it deeper. If there's one thing the law hates more than crime, its liars.'

Synopsis

An intense high-stakes story about five friends and the deadly secret that could send their lives up in flames, perfect for fans of Karen McManus and E. Lockhart.

In Gap Mountain, California, everyone knows about fire season. And no one is more vigilant than 18-year-old Hannah Warner, the sheriff’s daughter and aspiring FBI agent. That is until this summer. When Hannah and her best friends accidentally spark an enormous and deadly wildfire, their instinct is to lie to the police and the fire investigators.

But as the blaze roars through their rural town and towards Yosemite National Park, Hannah’s friends begin to crack and she finds herself going to extreme lengths to protect their secret. Because sometimes good people do bad things. And if there’s one thing people hate, it’s liars.

About the Author

https://www.jenniferlynnalvarez.com/about

I received my B.A. in English from the University of California at Berkeley. I'm fascinated by underdogs and power dynamics between groups of people. 

I'm the author of LIES LIKE WILDFIRE, a teen thriller soon-to-be published by Delacorte Press, and two middle grade book series, each published by HarperCollins Children's Books, THE GUARDIAN HERD (a quartet) and RIDERS OF THE REALM (a trilogy). Before this, I self-published a middle grade fantasy called THE PET WASHER. 

When I'm not writing, you'll find me galloping my little black mare through the foothills of Sonoma County or teaching free creative writing workshops to kids and adults at various branches of our local library system. 

The Healdsburg Literary Guild selected me as their 2019/2020 Literary Laureate for my work in building literacy in my community. It is an honor I hold dear. I am also the current SCBWI Sonoma County Coordinator and a volunteer on the Sonoma County Library Advisory Board.

I live in Northern California with my husband, three children, and more than my fair share of pets!

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Key Quotes

'The thing about love is, unless your best friend falls too, you fall alone.'

'California doesnt f*ck around when it comes to fire.'

Similar Reads

Dark and Shallow Lies, S.T.A.G.S, Burden Falls, Things to Do Before the End of the World, Burn, Lock Every Door

Blog Tour - What Beauty There Is

Title: What Beauty There Is (Goodreads)

Publisher: Penguin

Genre: Mystery, Coming of age, Contemporary  

Author: Cory Anderson

Age Group: YA

Source: Paperback ARC & Netgalley

I would truly like to thank TheWriteReads for asking me to be a part of this book tour. I am also very grateful to Penguin for providing me with an ARC and Netgalley link to this book. Lastly and most importantly the biggest thank you goes to Cory Anderson for writing such an incredible book!

‘People will tell you the devil's a liar. They say he was from the start. The father of lies and all that stuff. But I don’t believe it. No. He tells the truth. You wouldn’t think you would be fooled with the truth. But you can.

Living with the devil.

It is not an easy thing to do.’

Review

This book kept me gripped from beginning till end. I could not put it down and consumed the pages within days of starting to read What Beauty There Is. Cory Anderson is not afraid to delve into the darker side of life and though there are tough themes and issues it is without a doubt important that they exist in books as they do in real life.

One of the main themes that stood out for me was the importance of family and in particular the power of a siblings love and protection. Jack Dahl will do anything to keep him and his brother together, he will not allow anyone to separate them and take his little brother into social care. The lengths that loved ones will go to stay together and protect one another is such a strong survival instinct in Jack that I and hopefully no one else could resist or fault him for going to the lengths that he does for his little brother Matty.

There is a pervading darkness to What Beauty There Is but shot through with moments of love and of course beauty, of hope! Some lives are full of real struggles and it seems those that live with very little happiness or hope but I think what Jack and Ava show us is that there are rare moments that shine through and you have to grab onto them with both hands and live for those small and transient moments to get through the pain and struggles.

If there is one book that you read this year I urge you to make it What Beauty There Is because for wherever there is pain and struggle there is also someone who possesses a fierce amount of love and protection that saves you from drowning. Someone who makes life worth living and choses to overcome the struggles for the people that matter the most, for the relationships that truly matter and gives you a reason to keep living.

“All things you choose to hold in your heart,” he says, “ have the capacity for pain.” He looks at her, looks hard. “Be careful what you choose.”

Synopsis (Goodreads)

Winter. The sky is dark. It is cold enough to crack bones.

Jack Morton has nothing left. Except his younger brother, Matty, who he'd do anything for. Even die for. Now with their mother gone, and their funds quickly dwindling, Jack needs to make a choice: lose his brother to foster care, or find the drug money that sent his father to prison. He chooses the money.

Ava Bardem lives in isolation, a life of silence. For seventeen years her father has controlled her fate. He has taught her to love no one. Trust no one. Now Victor Bardem is stalking the same money as Jack. When he picks up Jack's trail, Ava must make her own wrenching choice: remain silent or help the brothers survive.

Choices. They come at a price.

Key Quotes

"Look at me. We aren’t going to die if I give you two dollars." Matty looked at him. Those eyes gripped him. "Okay." "Do you believe me?" "Yes" "We're alright." Matty looked at Jack's hands and looked away. There is no description of stupid,  Jack thought, that you don’t fit. He said again, "We're alright." "Okay"

He whispered, “You don’t trust anyone. Do you? I don’t either. You see people. They’re smiling. Going to classes or to the movies. Doing homework at the library or out at the store with friends.” He tried to gather the right words. “You think, maybe you can be like that. One day. Maybe it can be like that.” 

Similar Reads

Shuggie Bain

Blog Tour - The Unadjusteds

The Unadjusteds book tour

Title: The Unadjusteds (Goodreads)

Publisher: Write Plan

Genre: Sci-fi, Dystopia, Fantasy 

Author: Marisa Noelle

Age Group: YA

Source: Pdf provided by TheWriteReads

I would like to say a big thank you to Dave from TheWriteReads for providing me with the Pdf from the publishers. This was one of my favourite reads so far of the year! I hope you enjoy my review and give this book a read.

‘It would be so much easier to just not care. Take a pill. Be like everyone else. But I can’t do that. I promised Diana.’

Review

I was instantly consumed by the action of this book. From the first few opening pages I already loved the strength of Silver, the main character, and was intrigued by the mutations brought to us in the book and quickly wanted to read on to find out how they came into existence. The author, Marisa Noelle, has such a strong and exciting way of writing. She manages to find that perfect balance between action and character narration which allows the story’s premise and world building to evolve naturally.

I haven’t yet managed to finish this book but I know that I will because I’m deeply obsessed  and intrigued by what will happen to Silver, her friends and family as well as how the adjusteds came into existence. So far, what already stands out to me in The Unadjusteds is the elements of sci-fi, dystopia and fantasy which all blend really nicely to create an exciting story and great characters. There is at the moment very little active romance in this book, but I really don’t mind that. There is a potential romance present between Silver and one of her long-term friends, one not too subtly hinted at, but I’m not concerned either way. I personally just hope that it doesn’t take away from the sci-fi intrigue and independence of Silver. I actually prefer less romance in heavily focused sci-fi books as I think that for me is more exciting!

I am personally a reader that struggles with reading eBooks and so I was very surprised and impressed that this book managed to keep me reading. The fact that I couldn’t put this book down even though it wasn’t given to me in my preferred format speaks volumes of success for the book itself. I know straight away once I start reading a book that I cannot put down that I have found one that meets my personal expectations and The Unadjusteds certainly does that. So, like me if you love strong female characters, sci-fi focused action and strong family values than this is a must read for you! Also, if you loved The Hunger Games then this book possesses similar vibes. Another personal similar read I felt it met the strengths of was This Mortal Coil by Emily Suvada and would totally recommend you check out if you give The Unadjusteds a read.

‘I refuse to live in a world where genetically enhanced abilities are valued more than kindness and compassion. I’m determined to find a place away from it all. If I can figure out how to take the damn ankle collar off.’

Synopsis (Goodreads)

Sixteen-year-old Silver Melody lives in a world where 80% of the population has modified their DNA. Known as the altereds, those people now possess enhancements like wings, tails, and increased strength or intelligence. Although Silver’s parents created the nanite pill used to deliver these genetic modifications, Silver is proud of her unadjusted state.

However, when the president declares all unadjusteds must take a nanite, Silver has no choice but to flee the city with her father and some friends to prevent the extinction of the unadjusteds.

With Silver’s mother in prison for treason, Silver’s father is the unadjusteds’ only hope at finding a cure. But time is running out as Silver’s father is captured by the president’s almost immortal army. Vicious hellhounds are on Silver’s trail, and her only chance to recover her father involves teaming up with a new group of unlikely friends before all humanity is lost.

Key Quotes

'Gripping his shoulders, I force him to look at me. “You’re not alone,” I say, placing my hands either side of his face. “Please fight. Try. Hold on. The ambulance is coming.” Don’t be another Diana. I shudder against the memories. The foam and the bulging veins. It’s happening all over again. Blood trickles from the boy’s nose, dripping onto his fresh, white Tshirt. He drops sideways, falling from my grip. His head smacks against the cement.'

'So many things in this forest can kill me. A hellhound could end me in a few bloody seconds. Gritting my teeth, I clamp down on the building fear. I can’t let it win. “Let’s move.”

'Joe stands alone in a circle of dead wolves, blood glistening on his arms and face.'

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Slated, This Mortal Coil, The Hunger Games