This sequel is even better than The Reader. I am impressed with the emotional, psychological, and moral depth, as well as the literary elements (theme, symbolism, etc). ( )

This is one of the best YA fantasy series I’ve read. It’s smart with great writing and really envelopes the reader into the story with unique uses of typeface, hidden messages and a feeling of not quite knowing what’s real. This second installment wasn’t quite as meta as the first, but it was still a great read. I’m looking forward to the next book in the series. ( )

I’m really torn about this series. On the one hand, I think it’s an interesting premise but at the same time, I find myself getting lost about what this is supposed to be about. I’ll get really involved in the story within a story but then I wonder what it has to do with the actual story with Archer and Sefia.

Though this got a ton of good brownie points for delving into Archer’s story. He’s become this sort of leader for all the kids that they’re freeing from the bad guys and I could really relate to his struggle with not deserving that position. He and Sefia have this great dynamic and I can actually buy them being an item now.

I’m really impressed how Chee has woven some diversity into this book. Some fantasy authors tend to forget about other people because it’s not really seen as the norm and even though this is the second book she did it anyway. So it’s not that I like this book because of it but it did make for an interesting side character and arc. ( )

This is the second novel, following The Reader, a fantasy novel. The Reader was one of my favorite novels read last year because of it being unusual, so I was terribly excited to read the second novel. I will purchase this when it publishes, so y’all need to be looking for it when school begins.

This novel reveals more about Archer; he now speaks, which is handy when you want to know what someone thinks. He has a lot of pain and darkness within him and doesn’t want to be someone who is capable of what he can do. Without Sefia to be his strength and cornerstone, he would tear across the country killing those who harm others. At the end of the first novel, Archer and Sefia run from the Guard after discovering more concerning her parents and the book. This novel begins as they are on the run. Of course, the Trackers are close behind. It’s assumed Sefia can find any information in the Book, but it’s not that easy. Her abilities are growing, but the book isn’t to be used and manhandled.

Archer and Sefia release other boys who have been taken from their families and form a gang of sorts. Archer understands these boys because they have the same nightmares, both figuratively and literally. They determine to get rid of as many groups taking boys as possible. These boys know how to fight, so the men have little chance. Sefia worries about Archer. She also worries about the war and their own relationship due to what she learns in the book concerning the past and future.

New characters and characters from book one add new directions and information for the novel. The Library and the Current play a role in the past, present, and future. Are they destined to a future or can choices and knowledge create a new direction for their lives? There’s a lot of running about in this novel, but it does advance the plot and the intricacies of the Book. I liked it as much as the first book and recommend it, especially if you liked The Reader. Don’t start with this book, however. It’s not a series to read in any order. ( )