The Raging Ones

2022 re-read:
This time around, 4 years later, I found Part 1 to be slow, but once Part 2 hits (about 30% in) things just go. What a book and while I remembered some of the twist at the end, not everything and ohhhh riiighhhht, this is why I was so excited to read book 2 which I'll finally be getting to.
Most of my below sentiments are the same.
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I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own

Wow.
A day after reading this and that is STILL my opinion.

At first glance this book may not seem like my thing; I tend to like books that have a very clear goal and a path to victory. While the characters do have a goal: join Saga 5 to get off the planet, the first half of the book might seem slow to people since they are preparing to join the program. I dislike slow books, but this one didn't seem slow to me. I'm into character development as well and there are some characters that I could read about their average week and still be happy. Which might be why I didn't mind the lack of action or adventure. It truly isn't needed because the characters are great and there is a reason for why it takes so long for them to get to the space program. I just assumed the space program would be most of the book– my bad.

Anyhow, let me tell you about my new children. Their names are Court, Mykal, and Franny. They are wonderful and amazing. Court is a little thief who used to live with the Influentials, so he is a bit uppity, but he knows how to act the part to get them into the program. Mykal is a sweetheart, little fluff who I wanted to protect so badly, but was also able to kill huge bears by 8 years old– little wilderness babe. Franny is the one you would expect to be a thief, but she is so nice, hates thieving, can trust people too quickly, but won't take your BS. I just love them all, including Court, who breaks my heart.
It should also be mentioned that they are all connected so they feel what the other feels, tastes what they taste, and sense each other's emotions. This doesn't mean they all get into a romantic relationship or that there is a love triangle around Franny. NOPE! I was so happy. Instead, Court and Mykal are the ones who like each other, but keep their distance because reasons–which definitely come up in the book and make so much sense. Their connections make things difficult for them and there is jealousy and hard feelings because they sense EVERYTHING.
I swear to all that is bright, if one of these children die I will harm someone...violently. Do not touch them.

Writing/Pacing: AWESOME– perhaps some might find it slow
Characters: L O V E
Story: Absolutely hooked me and that ENDING!!! Cliffhanger and not one I dislike. I WANT to read the next book so. badly. I want to know what is going on. takes deep calming breath Okay, so this book might also feel like an initial stepping stone to greater things, but isn't so obvious until the end. So, if that annoys you (1st book has a set up feel, etc.) I still think you should give this a try.

In conclusion, if you like character heavy stories, sci-fi/fantasy mixes, LGBT rep (Court and Mykal aren't the only couple mentioned thus far), and ~space~ then please go check this book out. It totally deserves all the love.