Allow me to first apply a disclaimer to this review: I did not read the first one. I do not know how that happened, since the dystopian genre is usually right up my alley, but somehow I did. So my first recommendation is absolutely to read this compelling and exciting book, but my second is to read the first book first.

I will admit, I was largely lost when I landed in this world. It has some chilling similarities to our own, but I missed out on all the world building of the first book. The author does a good job of trying to help the reader who may need a refresher, but this book is very definitely the second in a series and to rehash all of it would have been a disservice to those who were anticipating the continuation of the story they began in book one.

I enjoyed the characters a lot, and the situations the author puts them in are excruciating. Do you save your enemy at the risk of those you love? Do you embrace their methods to achieve the end of their reign, or do you choose to live by what you say you believe? I was never sure how Young was going to get them out of the mess they were in, and I found myself eagerly turning pages. The stakes remain high throughout the novel.

The spiritual content is strong and I loved how the events show, even when we feel the most isolated, God never abandons His people. This is especially important given the atmosphere our teens are experiencing right now. They may live within a hostile society, but even when we cannot be with them as parents, they never walk alone. That is an excellent reminder for both parents and teens.

This will be one I gift to my own teens who enjoy dystopian themes, because of the hope that sings through the pages, even when things seem darkest. But I will certainly make sure they have both books to read in order, and if I read it before I wrap it, well, do not let them know that, okay?

I received a review copy of this book through Celebrate Lit but was not required to post a positive review. The opinions expressed are both honest and my own.

Another great book for this dystopian series! I loved seeing Kerr Flick's character find herself in this book. She is starting to realize the Composer's path for her, and learns to trust her fellow Sirens. Very different take on the normal story, as people's loyalties shifted several times throughout. I'm eager to see how the rest of this series plays out!

"Power is in dying to yourself, not living to dominate."

I unfortunately started reading this book without having read the first book in the series. I wish I had made the time to read the books in order; that would have prepared my mind better to absorb this dystopian world with its many secondary characters. This sterile world controlled by the Love Collective is quite fascinating and learning about the inner workings of the leadership as well as the downfalls, sins, fallacies within the Collective through the eyes of Cadence was interesting.

The faith element is prominent in this book as the Trinity is introduced to Cadence and she goes on secret missions to collect parts of the Song (allegory for the Bible?) from underground believers in the city. Since belief in the Composer (God) and Lyric (Jesus) is forbidden but central to the plot, I understand how it needs to be at the forefront but it felt a bit too heavy and overdone at times. I didn't really connect well with Cadence (aka Kerr Flick) even though the story is written in her voice. This second book didn't feel like it contributed much to the overarching theme of the series except to put Cadence in a powerful apprentice role, resurrect a lot of her memories that were erased, and shed some light on a few secondary characters. But if you've read the first book, this sequel may be a true delight as you follow Cadence's journey.

I received the book via Celebrate Lit Tours and was under no obligation to post a positive comment. All opinions are solely my own.