Carrie Butler

I really wanted to like this book, and there were parts that I really enjoyed. The beginning is engaging, with Rena meeting Wallace and finding out that he is nothing like her preconceived notions. The idea of a race of superpowered people has been done to death, but that's okay. I like fantasy, and just because something is cliché, that doesn't necessarily make it bad. Unfortunately, the promise at the beginning of [b:Strength|18310859|Strength (Mark of Nexus, #1)|Carrie Butler|https://d202m5krfqbpi5.cloudfront.net/books/1376353874s/18310859.jpg|20862060] was empty. The last half or so of the book just fell apart.

My first peeve came early on, though. Can anyone tell me why [a:Carrie Butler|6265027|Carrie Butler|https://d202m5krfqbpi5.cloudfront.net/authors/1348020509p2/6265027.jpg] felt the need to invent a new word that means the same as another perfectly good word? The non-word in question: 'confliction.' What the hell? That's not a real word, and 'conflict' is already a noun so why on God's green earth would you add 'ion' to the end of it? It just sounds so incredibly stupid. And it's not just once, either. 'Confliction' shows up over and over and over in the text. I wanted to scream. The word you're looking for, Carrie, is 'conflict.' That's the word you want.

One of the things that is a deal-breaker for me when reading a story is when a character does something they would never ever do. Well, that didn't quite happen here, because the characters kept changing. I couldn't tell you about Rena's character, besides that she's stubborn (and stupid), because I have no idea who she is. She's all over the place. What's her motivation? And Wallace: he goes to church but he's not above killing someone, and the only reason he won't fornicate (which is kind of a no-no by church standards) is because he's afraid he'll hurt the girl. The only characters I really got a handle on are Aiden and Gabby, and they're a stereotypical geek/nerd and a stereotypical slut. Ugh.

At one point, Rena's wrist gets broken. I'm not going to say how, in case anyone cares about spoilers. Anyway, she continues on blithely in spite of the excruciating pain, even using her wrist to push herself up at one point, though to be fair, that does hurt... just not as much as it should.

Speaking of Rena: it is possible to write an unlikable main character and keep the reader engaged, but it's not easy, and it's a huge risk. I don't think that was the goal here, but it was a big fail whether I was supposed to dislike Rena and still want to keep reading or... was I supposed to like Rena? Because I didn't. She was so annoying. I wanted to reach into the page and slap her... hard.

The big showdown with the villains is one of the most boring I've ever read. Most of it is a bunch of exposition where the villains explain what they're up to and why they're doing it in an attempt to get the heroes to join them. I understand that they're trying to get their support, but my eyes glazed over. I really don't care about your stupid plans, villains! I want some action and internal conflict and emotional angst.

I gave the book 2 stars because of the potential promised in the first little bit. Unfortunately, I can't give it more than 2 stars, because the last bit didn't live up to that potential. I'm disappointed.… (lisätietoja)

Immediately following the first book, I wasn’t no time going to Amazon and purchasing the second. After that ending, I was hooked and wanted more.

Plot: So in this plot, things get much more difficult for Rena and Wallace. They are faced with lots of obstacles and they really need each other if their going to beat it. This plot is also filled with so many emotions. Lots of shocks, happiness and above all heart ache. So many good things fall into their lap but not without it being a sacrifice.

Love: This part moved me so much. It hurt to read it. I mean, they are trying but many things came against them at one time that they could not see their future the way they did before. It was clouded with uncertainty and lies. Lies that in the end, destroyed a love all for power. Be assured that this love and plot contains many plot twists that you don’t want to put it down.

Ending: Once pieces of the puzzle starts to come together I began to realize that they is something bigger at play. I like how well things came together and how well the reader is pushed to such a dramatic ending. I can not wait to read the next book!!

This is a great sequel. I totally adored it and would read it again, despite the pain it cause me. I thoroughly enjoyed the emotions, the twists and turns , and not to mention all the drama that goes on. It’s non-stop entertainment that I could use more of. Sometimes life throws us unexpected circumstances. And the questions stands. Do you have courage to fight? If so, give this book a chance.… (lisätietoja)

I enjoyed this book so much, that the moment I was done with it, I immediately went to Amazon and purchase the next book.

Plot: This plot really grabbed me. You have this guy who is isolated and strange. Everyone thinks he is a freak when really more is going on than what we see. I adore how the plot moved with the reader, pushing me along every bread crumb. Every chapter intrigued me more and only a quarter way through, I was ready to zoom through the book! There are plenty of plot twist and a evil struggle for power, so it kept me pretty entertained.

Love: I Love this LOVE!!! I like that this couple overcame a lot of trials. They went through social stigma, rumors and friends constantly on their case about their relationship. Yet, it blooms as at great pace starting with friendship to a love that I can bask in. Their day to day life is pretty normal except a few supernatural aspects going on...

Supernatural: I like that this is a small but big part of their life. I want to say exactly what it is but think of it this way. It's like a human but just a bit stronger. I like the back round history of where the powers come from. Anywhoo, its great! I totally read through this story super fast.

I love this story. I think it carries plenty of great elements without it being too much. Everything is balanced out well and of course has a great love interest that I could not get enough of it. An unexpected journey that I loved, Strength steps out from the pages, tantalizing the reader. The emotions are strong with supernatural elements that keep you at the edge of your seat. With the title living up to the story, do you have the strength to go on? Strength is a sharp start to an excellent series!… (lisätietoja)