I totally paused!

Synopsis: At the beginning of the summer, Clio Kaid was one of a hundred teens brought to a secret Army installation. But it was no ordinary camp and they weren’t ordinary kids…

Soon after learning they were the products of a secret genetic experiment, the teens began developing super-abilities ranging from bounding lightness to blocking heaviness; blinding brilliance and the ability to vanish. These same gifts made them targets of a psychopath in officer’s clothing, and they found themselves fighting for their lives.

Picking up where “Solid” left off, Clio and her friends realize that they aren’t ready to go home; they’re determined to stay on campus and continue their journey of self- discovery. But someone doesn’t feel the same way and will do anything to drive them away – even kill.

Friendships will be tested, abilities will evolve, and more secrets will come out as the teens race to stop the killer before he sets his sights on one of them…

My Review: What a fabulous follow up to Solid!  This novel picks up pretty much where Solid left off, which is great since these kids have had a whirlwind of a month and you almost *need* to see them right away.  It’s like a reunion with some old friends!  After the end of the last book, the kids opt to stay on campus and continue learning more about their abilities and each other, but they quickly learn things aren’t as safe as they would have thought…

This is a fast paced, interesting read that does a great job of furthering the story, yet leaving you with more questions that will likely be answered in the third installment, due out next year.  And just like the last book, I wish there could have been more pages because I was so wrapped up in the story, I just didn’t want it to end.  I’m sure you’ll feel the same!

After spending this time with Clio and her friends, I do wish these were actual kids I could know and work with.  Wouldn’t it be cool to be a councelor or something for a group of kids with rare abilities?  Plus, I’d have a fabulous time talking music with all of them, I have a feeling Jack could put me onto a few bands I’d love and just haven’t heard of yet.

Since Settling builds on the foundation set in Solid, I’d definitely say you should read the series in order, but I highly recommend picking it up as soon as you can, because you’re going to really love this one!

Read this book if: You like YA novels – this is a fun series and I really think you’ll like it!

My Rating: 4/5 – Borderline Amazing!

Full Disclosure: I received this book for free from the author.  This has not affected my review in any way.  I was likewise not compensated for this review.  Thanks again for the book!

Synopsis: Eighteen years ago, a rogue Army doctor secretly experimented with a chromosomal drug on unknowing pregnant women.  When he was killed not long after the children were born, any knowledge and evidence seemed to die with him – except the living, breathing, human products of his work.

Almost two decades later, the newly self-proclaimed “open-book” military unearths the truth about the experiment, bringing Clio Kaid and the other affected teens to a state-of-the-art, isolated campus where they soon discover that C9x did indeed alter their chromosomes – its mutations presenting as super-human abilities.  The military kids, who come from across the nation and all walks of life, come into their own as lighter-than-air ‘athletes’; ‘indies’ as solid as stone walls; teens who can make themselves invisible and others who can blind with their brilliance.

While exploring her own special ability, forging new friendships and embarking on first love, Clio also stumbles onto information indicating that the military may not have been entirely forthcoming with them and that all may not be as it seems…

My Review: I was intrigued by the concept of this book from the moment I heard of it.  In a YA market filled with vampires, werewolves, and fallen angels, a genetic experiment causing super-human abilities almost feels normal!  Not only does it seem a little closer to reality, I feel like it brings an element of surprise and more danger to the table – sure, the teens who are victims of the experiment have some crazy abilities, but none of them are so much that they are ever safe from the danger surrounding them.

We meet our cast of characters at a super secret government facility, which is relatively normal aside from the fact that it’s nestled deep in the woods of New Jersey.  The government has done a decent job of making the kids feel like they’re at home, and ultimately leads them into a false sense of security.  All the while, the teens are realizing that what they thought were mere talents are actually the effects of the experimentation done while they were in utero.  I can only imagine how exciting and frightening it would be, but I’m sure I’m not the only one who wishes they could have been invisible at times in high school.

Despite their abilities, the teens are pretty normal – Clio and several others become friends pretty quickly, bonding primarily on their mutual connection of being military brats.  I liked all the characters, and definitely enjoyed the relationship between Jack and Clio.  One of my favorite things was that although some of the teens are misunderstood, they’re all good kids and are just interested in getting to the bottom of the conspiracy.  I, personally, am a little tired of the “oh I’m your friend, just kidding I’m evil” thing in YA novels, and love seeing a great group of friends bond together to figure things out.

This was a solid (no pun intended) story, and I’m definitely interested in reading the sequel Settling when I can get my hands on it.  My only complaint was that the book was pretty short, so the story had to move quickly.  It would have been great to see more background on the genetic experiment itself, or on the individual characters before they knew about their abilities.

Read this book if: You like YA paranormal or sci fi type novels.  It’s very entertaining, and I think it’s pretty enjoyable.  Also, nothing objectionable for the younger teens, I’d feel good about letting a daughter read this.

Full Disclosure: I was contacted by the author to read and review this book, and was provided with a free copy signed by Shelley Workinger.  This has in no way affected the content of my review.  And a big thanks to Shelley for reaching out to me, I really enjoyed the book!