Looking for a fascinating YA fantasy with hints of dystopian? Check out the Select series.
Author: Marit Weisenberg
Series: Select #2
Age: Young Adult
Genres: Fantasy, Dystopian, Sci-Fi
Publication Date: October 9, 2018
Publisher: Charlesbridge Teen
Source: eBook
Purchase: Hardcover | Kindle | B&N | Kobo | iBooks
Synopsis:
After rejecting the cult-like influence of her father's family, Julia moves into a fancy hotel in downtown Austin. But she finds herself alone except for her boyfriend, John--and her fears. Once again she's suppressing her abilities, afraid her family will come for John when they find out he's been developing abilities of his own in her presence. The FBI is also keeping a close eye on Julia hoping she can lead them to her father, Novak, as he's wanted for questioning in his former assistant's death.
With tensions high, Julia and John agree to go separate ways for the summer, paving the way for Julia to reunite with Angus, fellow outcast. Together they set out on a road trip to California to find Julia's mom and a way into Novak's secret underground world. Along the way Julia will learn the Puri perhaps aren't the only humans evolving into something different. . . and that maybe she's the leader her people have needed all along.
“...mixing mystery with science fiction with a heaping dose of romance." ―Kirkus Reviews
"...a page-turning adventure." ―School Library Connection
My Rating:
My Thoughts:
This was a good read. I enjoyed the way this book was a bit more developed than the first book. I still feel like there could have been more information shared about the tribes. I enjoyed the drama and secrets that were revealed in this book.
Julia has become so annoying 3/4 of this book. She kept trying to lose her abilities, which was just impossible to do. I didn't care for her "on the run" lifestyle. She was too cautious and too relaxed. I needed more from her as far as being bold and that didn't happen until the last 1/4 of the book. Julia had to deal with a lot outside of leaving her tribe and family. She was able to meet with her mother and I loved that, but I disliked the interaction she had with her. I will say, in-spite of Julia holding back, that ending made it all better for me. I can definitely see her as the next leader for sure.
John was so damn amazing. He was beginning to develop his own abilities and really coming into himself. I loved seeing his struggle with his power, but how he looked at them more differently than Julia did. John was very optimistic about life, but when it came to himself he was always negative. John is simply kickass and the PERFECT boyfriend.
Angus was annoying as all heck! I hated how he just popped back up thinking he could get back with Julia. He annoyed me with making everything about himself and the past. He plans pissed me off and his schemes made me made. For his role as the best friend/ex-boyfriend/ex-crush, he did well, but as I character I can't stand him.
The romance was still so amazing. I loved the drama that was between Julia and John with having to be separated for two months to stave off Novak. I loved how cute they were together. I loved the addition of tension with the return of Angus. Everything about John and Julia together is perfect.
Liv was seriously pissing me off, but I adored her as a sister still. She believed her father so much, but knew in her heart that her sister, Julia, was the "chosen one" and I loved it. When you expected her to be jealous, she wasn't. She really just wanted to be connected with her sister, but because of their upbringing their relationship was strained. I can't wait to see how their relationship gets better if there's a third book.
Elizabeth was strange. I understood her feelings concerning her relationship with Novak. I mean everything that happened was so messed up, but the way she interacted with Julia pissed me off. She should have showed more emotion towards her. I hope they develop a better relationship.
Miriam seems like a trustworthy person, but it still sounds too good to be true. Novak is still a terrible man. I feel as if he let his relationship with Elizabeth run his life. What he did to Elizabeth, Julia and Liv can never be forgiven, but I hope he finds away to redeem himself.
The ending left me wanting more. I hope there is the 3rd book because I'd love to see how they survive up top. Great YA dystopian/fantasy read.
About the Author
Marit’s debut YA novel was Select, and she worked on the first draft of the book over the course of eighteen months during Amanda Eyre Ward’s class ‘Write a Novel in a Year.’ As of now, there are two books in The Select series.
WEBSITE: http://maritweisenberg.com/
TWITTER: @MaritWeisenberg
GOODREADS: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/16437131.Marit_Weisenberg
FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/MaritWeisenbergAuthor/
INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/maritweisenberg/
Giveaway
- Ends November 19, 2018
- Must be 13+ to Enter
- 5 Winners will receive a Signed Copy of Select Few (Select #2) by Marit Weisenberg.
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