In the first book of a sizzling dystopian romance series, psychic gifts are a death sentence and there are rules to survival: Trust no one. Lie to everyone. And whatever you do, don’t fall for your greatest enemy.
TRUST NO ONE.
Wren Darlington has spent her whole life in hiding, honing her psychic abilities and aiding the rebel Uprising in small ways. On the Continent, being Modified means certain death—and Wren is one of the most powerful Mods in existence. When one careless mistake places her in the hands of the enemy and she’s forced to join their most elite training program, she’s finally handed the perfect opportunity to strike a devastating blow from inside their ranks.
LIE TO EVERYONE.
But training for Silver Block can be deadly, especially when you’re harboring dangerous secrets and living in close quarters with everyone who wants you dead.
AND WHATEVER YOU DO, DON’T FALL FOR YOUR GREATEST ENEMY.
As the stakes grow ever higher, Wren must prove herself to Silver Block. But that’s easier said than done when your commanding officer is the ruthless and infuriatingly irresistible Cross Redden, who doesn’t miss anything when it comes to her. And as war rages between Mods like her and those who aim to destroy them, Wren must decide just how far she’s willing to go to protect herself . . . and how much of the Continent is worth saving.
Review:
Dear Dani Francis,
Recently I noticed that this book is being discussed on book tube and there was a mention of some controversy. Of course I got curious because the “from enemies to lovers” trope can be my catnip, however I want to stress (and that’s the only reason I mention all this) that I only watched one video which ended up not being a review of the book at all. The blogger just mentioned the concealed identity of the author as a jump off point to talk about publishing not giving more chances to the mid list authors (or something like that). I also made sure I did not read any reviews and I purchased a kindle book on amazon.
To sum up my review in one sentence. Nothing worked for me in this book.
The writing did not work for me at all. I did not feel it flowed well. It has a lot of fragmented sentences. I am going to quote, all of the quotes are from the first chapter.
“When you’re petrified on a daily basis as a child, there aren’t many things left to fear as an adult. Except, perhaps, awkward conversations. I would rather fight a cougar barehanded than subject myself to an uncomfortable exchange. Truly. “Where are you going?” Damn it. I’d been doing my level best to sneak out of bed without alerting my companion.
“One of the first things soldiers like him are taught is how to shield themselves from Mods. And they’re right to do it. Primes don’t have enhanced gifts. They also don’t experience any physical signs when someone infiltrates their thoughts, whereas Mods feel it like an electric shock. People like him should be on guard.”
The world building did not work. I mean, there is an attempt at world building, but I thought that it lacked depth. I am not even talking about some descriptions which were thoroughly absent, but important events are mentioned occasionally and briefly and the whole picture is lacking even by the time I finished the book.
The characters did not work for me either. I lost count as to how many times I wanted to slap the main character. She keeps telling us how reckless she is and doing stupid things over and over and OVER again. I was wondering whether this was supposed to be a substitute for character growth? But even if she is self aware all the time and keeps doing reckless things is this really growth?
And of course the best course of action if you are a Modified person is to fall in love with the son of the dictator who wants your people dead? Once again, beating yourself up every time after having sex with the boy and then going back to him because he is so irresistible may not have been so wise.
There is a plot twist about their love story, which I could see miles away and probably will make it easier to swallow for some readers. I was just so fed up with everything in this story that I did not care.
There is no real ending to anything yet, so please beware as well
Grade: D
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Sirius
Sirius started reading books when she was four and reading and discussing books is still her favorite hobby. One of her very favorite gay romances is Tamara Allen’s Whistling in the Dark. In fact, she loves every book written by Tamara Allen. Amongst her other favorite romance writers are Ginn Hale, Nicole Kimberling, Josephine Myles, Taylor V. Donovan and many others. Sirius’ other favorite genres are scifi, mystery and Russian classics. Sirius also loves travelling, watching movies and long slow walks.
