Tuesday, October 15, 2013

Review: Volition & Contrition by Lee Strauss

Volition (Perception Series, #2)
Volition (Perception #2)
by Lee Strauss

Release Date: April 16, 2013
Publisher: ESB Publishing
Pages: 219
Genre: YA Sci-Fi
Source: Author
Purchase: Amazon | B&N
Haunt Author: Website | Facebook | Twitter

What doesn't kill you... Zoe Vanderveen is on the run with her captor turned rescuer, Noah Brody. They're in love. Or at least that’s what he tells her. Her memories have returned but her feelings are dreamlike—thin and fleeting. Her heart can’t be trusted. Just look at what happened with Taylor Blake. Senator Vanderveen’s new team of cyborg agents are in hot pursuit, and a reward for their capture is broadcast nationwide. Record breaking cold and snow hinder their escape. Someone dies helping them. And their fight for survival has only begun.

I really enjoyed the first book, Perception, which is still currently free! I'll keep these two reviews short and spoiler free for those that haven't had a chance to start the series. In this next installment, Zoe and Noah are on the run from her grandfather. Traveling from hotel to hotel and hiding out on a compound or in a gym. Their pictures are posted everywhere for a large reward. Noah feels obligated to keep Zoe safe but Zoe feels like a burden. 

The romance in this one was more disappointing than in the first since the couple is going through their miscommunication and lets fight our feelings stage. Zoe lost her memories of Noah and even though she has gotten to know him and love him again, Noah doesn't think she loves him the way she used to. It was very aggravating. I think they will eventually find their way back to each other.

I love books that take place on the run. I was sad to not get to see as much of the futuristic world building and neat inventions as I got to see in the first but loved the quick pace. The series explores the question of technology/science vs religion/nature but not in an overly preachy manner. Just in a way that makes you think and understand both sides. This series has a great mix of sci-fi, dystopian, mystery, romance, and action.




"I don't want it to be this way."
"What way?"
He turned and steadied his eyes on mine.
"I want you to love me."

"I fell in love with you once and then I forgot. I totally get it now how I could've loved you before. Because I've done it again." I inhaled. "I love you."

Rating: 4/5



Contrition (The Perception Trilogy, #3)
Contrition (Perception #3) by Lee Strauss

Release Date: September 17, 2013
Publisher: ESB Publishing
Pages: 319
Genre: YA Sci-Fi
Source: Author
Purchase: Amazon | B&N
Haunt Author: Website | Facebook | Twitter

Zoe, Noah and the other plane crash survivors are stranded in the Arizona desert.
They all have secrets and reasons to hide. But they’re not alone.
Cyborg soldiers...war...humans and humanoids.
Who can be trusted?
Zoe’s life is in danger. Noah must make an impossible choice.
Will their love survive their brokenness?
Will the world as they know it end before they can find out?


Zoe, Noah and friends are hiding out in the desert now. The military is being changed to cyborgs (upgraded humans with robot parts) and also there is the creation of more humanoids (completely artificially made robots) especially as household help. Zoe's group is mostly against GAPS (genetically altered persons) and cyborgs but things partly change when they meet some rebellious cyborgs.

The romance is still kind of slow as Zoe and Noah find their way back to each other. They are also constantly on the move and don't have much time for romance or hygiene. LOL Zoe is also sick which is strange since GAPS never get sick. Noah will do anything to keep her safe. He is always sweet and worrying about everyone else. There are twists and traitors that I never saw coming.


Everything concludes in an all out Judgement Day type of war where no one is safe. It was crazy and exciting but a great ending. Each page at the end was quite a shock. There was also an epilogue which I always love. I got to see exactly where the characters end up. Great series!




"Zoe!" You can't die. I leaned back on my heels and let out a wail. All of this effort was for her. For us. I couldn't lose her now. Not when we finally had a chance.

Rating: 4/5

5 comments:

  1. I am so glad you are loving this series!

    Great reviews!!

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  2. Sorry to hear the romance is kinda slow, but good to hear you enjoyed overall

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  3. Sweet! I already have the 1st book (wish I would've got it for free ;D). It really does make me feel better starting a series I already know is good. And of course, I always trust your opinions!

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  4. YA sci-fi, i still haven't read this genre. Don't know this was my cup of tea or not.

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  5. I just finished reading Volition! I loved it, but sometimes I really hated Zoeh. Anyway, I can't wait to read Contrition!
    So glad you liked this series!

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