Branded {by Eric Smith}

Title: Branded
Author: Eric Smith
Series: Inked #2
Rating: 2 out of 5 stars
Genre: YA Fantasy
Purchase: Amazon | Barnes & Noble
source: NetGalley

Eric Smith returns to the world of Inked in this adventurous new sequel. No longer a sheltered farmboy, Caenum is caught in the crossfire of the rebellion he ignited. As the final battle with the Citadel approaches, he must choose his own destiny one last time…or let the Citadel choose it for him.

I loved Inked, so when I heard there was a sequel I was very excited to continue this story. Unfortunately, this story fell way flat for me. Although it kept me interested enough at the time to continue reading it, even now trying to write this review I find that I'm having a hard time even remembering what happened.

The story starts a few months after the ending of the first. Caenum is leading the rebellion, and they are going from town to town, spreading the rebellion and freeing the conduits. Unfortunately, nothing really happened? Inked set up for some great worldbuilding, but that wasn't really expanded on in this one, which was some really wasted potential.

The other thing was that I was kind of confused on the rebels and what was going on with them. I kind of felt like no one was really...doing anything? Also the prejudice against Inked/unInked/whatever was really confusing. They hated you if you had Ink, but they also hated you if you didn't?? Huh?? Whatever the difference may have been, it wasn't explained well.

While this was a quick read, it ultimately felt like a let down. Although I will continue to read more of Eric's work, as I think he has potential and a great writing style, this one was a no from me.

Other books in this series:

Eric Smith:

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Branded {by Abi Ketner and Missy Kalicicki}

Title: Branded

Authors: Abi Kenner and Missy Kalicicki

Series: Sinners, #1

Rating: 2 out of 5 stars

Purchase: Amazon | Barnes & Noble

 

Fifty years ago The Commander came into power and murdered all who opposed him. In his warped mind, the seven deadly sins were the downfall of society. 
To punish the guilty, he created the Hole, a place where sinners are branded according to their sins. Sinners are forced to live a less than human existence in deplorable conditions, under the watchful eye of guards who are ready to kill anyone who steps out of line.
Now, LUST wraps around my neck like thick, blue fingers, threatening to choke the life out of me. I’ve been accused of a crime I didn’t commit, and the Hole is my new home. 
Constant darkness. 
Brutal and savage violence. 
Excruciating pain. 
Every day is a fight for survival. 
But I won’t let them win. I will not die in the Hole.
I am more than my brand. I’m a fighter. My name is Lexi Hamilton, and this is my story.

 

I have mixed feelings about this book. While I did finish it, there were many times when I considered not finishing. I just, I don't know. It was frustrating at many points, but ultimately was interesting. 

Branded starts with an interesting concept. In a futuristic society where the Commander has taken over, the modern day judicial system has been overthrown. Instead, sinners are "branded"--a different color depending on which of the seven deadly sins they have committed. Except, they just have to be accused, not proven. Which means innocents, like Lexi, also find themselves in the Hole (oooh, ominous...). 

My biggest issue I think was that, for the longest time, I didnt know what was going on. There is a difference between an aura of mystery, and just being frustratingly annoying. Nothing was explained, and Lexi didn't do anything. 

Another thing I hated, and almost made me stop reading (many a time) was the forbidden romance. I realize some people love forbidden romances, but I just can't stand them. Not to mention, it just made both main characters, Lexi and Cole, make dumb decision. This could have been so much more, about the actual rebellion, but instead it was a lot of romantic tension, staring into each other eyes, and a rushed ending. I didn't find the romance believable, and I did not enjoy it. 

Also, the plot pacing. The beginning dragged on, and then the ending, the rebellion, was really rushed. I was bored enough that, like I mentioned, I almost gave up. But, the end was enough to keep me reading just to find out what happened. 

It was a unique concept, but I just think it could have been executed much better. While the ending did make it a little better, I still am not sure that I would read the second book. 

 

 

Abi Ketner and Missy Kalicicki:

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