Altered
Author: Gennifer Albin
Publisher: Farrar Straus Giroux
Publication Date: Oct. 29, 2013
Pages: 400
Series: Crewel World, book two
Source: Requested ARC
About the Book: Life. Possibility. Choice.
All taken from Adelice by the Guild—until she took them back.
But amid the splendid ruins of Earth, Adelice discovers how dangerous freedom can be. Hunted by soulless Remnants sent by Cormac Patton and the Guild, Adelice finds a world that’s far from deserted. Although allies are easy to find on Earth, knowing who to trust isn’t. Because everyone has secrets, especially those Adelice loves most. Secrets they would kill to protect. Secrets that will redefine each of them. Torn between two brothers and two worlds, Adelice must choose what to fight for.
In this thrilling sequel to Crewel, Adelice is about to learn how tangled up her past and future really are. Her parents ran to protect her, but nothing can save her from her destiny, and once she uncovers the truth, it will change everything.
My Thoughts: If you read my review of Crewel you know that I really loved it. Something I didn’t mention was the ending. THE ENDING!! It left me gasping and grasping for Altered. I was excited to see that Altered picked right up where Crewel left off. No flashbacks or confusing jumps in time, just some fabulous forward motion! Adelice, Erik, and Jost have just arrived on the ruins of Earth. If they think they’re safe they have another thing coming!
One of my favorite parts of Crewel was the world building. In Altered we get to learn more about Arras. We also get to see what has occurred on the ruins of Earth since Arras was created. Even better, we get to see how the two worlds are connected. I loved this so much. Plus, it introduced another one of my favorite things in books… alternate history. World War Two was the catalyst for the creation of Arras. I loved seeing where Albin pulled from actual history and how she worked it in with her story. She weaves the two together so seamlessly (Forgive me! I couldn’t resist the sewing reference!)
All the other things that set Crewel apart for me are present again in Altered. The great characters, the drama, the mystery, and the romance. I also love the “big picture” questions brought up about life, love, and the nature of good and evil. The characters are forced to make so many decisions that have no cut and dry answers.
Altered continues to draw the reader in to the world introduced in Crewel. New characters and conflicts keep the story moving and add complexity to Adelice’s already intense situation. A gripping read that takes you for a ride! I can’t wait to see what Gennifer Albin has in store next!
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