Uncomfortable, compelling and sweet first love with a paranormal twist. Good story to the very end.

I am sorry for the low rating, but this book made me angry. Nowhere in the description it was made clear that this was the second book in a series. I was trudging and trudging through the book, trying to understand what was going on, blaming myself and my poor English for not being able to get into the story, until I couldn’t take it anymore and decided to check the book on Goodreads and Amazon.
If I am wrong, then I apologize and promise to delete my review, but if not, then it’s not nice to post a book on Netgalley without a warning that it’s the sequel, especially when the first book wasn't a standalone, but had ended with a cliffhanger.
I forced myself to keep reading and gave up in the middle. Maybe because of missing the first book, or maybe because I just couldn’t get into the story.

However, I am grateful to the publisher for the ARC.

P.S. The book isn’t properly formatted. There are problems with the paragraphs, indentations, chapters aren’t separated, a TOC is missing. Other books on Netgalley didn’t have this kind of problems.

P.P.S. I see the publisher has added a warning in the description that this is a sequel. A bit too late, but at least others will be warned.

This is book 2 and they have to be read in order. I enjoyed book 1 but I'm stopping at 51% in this one because:

1. I feel like I've been reading this book forever. Nothing has happened.

2. The h is being led around by her nose, manipulated by everyone around her. I thought she was smarter than this. A lamb to slaughter puts up a bigger fight.

3. The back and forth in timeframe isn't working for me. It's just annoying me to not know how or what is between these two. They are both too passive for my taste.

Again, I did enjoy the first book in this series. I'm sorry I couldn't connect as well with the 2nd one.

I received this book for free from Netgalley and Publisher in exchange for an honest review.

Select Few is the second book in a series.

The story line was very well constructed and the author did a great job with the world building. It does consist of supernatural powers and full of mystery. I really enjoyed this book.

My main complaint after reading the first book was the lack of fantasy and a lot of romance. Can’t say that «Select Few» improved a lot, but we were introduced to more details about Puri, their whereabouts, their abilities and some background in general, which I found interesting. There was still a lot of drama and romance involved, however, the main stage was given to the abilities and how the main characters adapted to them.

To be honest, this time around I might have been in a better mood for this type of books and I actually enjoyed it for what it is - an easy read with an addicting plot.

This is the second book in the series. Interesting plot. I am looking forward to the next book in the series. Have a feeling we have not heard the last from the main character's father.

I first need to state I did not read book #1. That being said book #2 did give me enough information that I was not completely lost but just missing a little detailed back story. I liked Julia but didn't really get to know John but in bits and pieces. Angus went back and forth for me but I did end up liking him in the end. Ok - so why the 3 star? The majority of the book was slow. Julia was trying not to use her powers and she was on a trip of self discovery. At about the 70% mark the action did pick up but it was quick and over too fast. Goodreads only had the hardcover edition. I received an ebook at no charge for which I voluntarily provided an honest review.

Warning! This is the second and last book in the series! If you haven't read "Select" the first book in the series proceed with caution!

First Thoughts:

I was pleasantly surprised that I was able to jump back into this world so easily. It was like I hadn't even left it at all. Granted it was just last January when I read the first book! So not too long ago but I've read quite a many books since then, so this really was a pleasant surprise. So much happened in this book and I was sad to see it end. I've been reading books that are just part of a duo-logy lately and it's making me sad. I kind of want to read more with the same characters and their world. I feel like this book could offer so much more. Like the author could perhaps sprout a prequel (Please?!). Ugh! So much to say about this book so lets get started!

Goodreads Summary:

After rejecting the cult-like influence of her father's family, Julia moves into a fancy hotel in downtown Austin. But she finds herself alone except for her boyfriend, Jonn--and her fears. Once again she's suppressing her abilities, afraid her family will come for John when they find out he's been developing abilities of his own in her presence. The FBI is also keeping a close eye on Julia hoping she can lead them to her father, Novak, as he's wanted for questioning in his former assistant's death.

With tensions high, Julia and John agree to go separate ways for the summer, paving the way for Julia to reunite with Angus, fellow outcast. Together they set out on a road trip to California to find Julia's mom and a way into Novak's secret underground world. Along the way Julia will learn the Puri perhaps aren't the only humans evolving into something different...and that maybe she's the leader her people have needed all along.

Plot:

This story picked back up from the first book though it was the beginning of summer where it picked back up. This book took me only a few sittings to finish it. Though it was slow at a few points it always picked back up. A lot of the questions that were asked in the first book were answered in this book. I do recommend that if you haven't read the first book that you read that one first because you definitely won't be as invested in this book as if you'd had. Plus you will be confused on what's happening in this story and not know what's going on and why the characters are reacting the way they are. I liked that this book was creative in a way that created a new type of human; a more advanced one. And there were definitely lots of twists and turns but was predictable at some points. But the book never made me want to put down the book and start another one. I was immersed in another world and was taken along with the characters and the dramatics of the story. Definitely a great book to read if you're looking for something different. Though this story is in a way similar to those with paranormal powers it made it different in a way that isn't like your typical story.

Romance:

Okay this was one area of the book where I had a few problems. First I never really liked the whole love triangle. I mean pick your love already! It doesn't have to be complicated. I mean come on! Stick with the person your heart desires, it's kind of hard to love two people so completely like Julia did. And I was really rooting for John...he's so perfect for her! And the whole picture where Angus comes and tries to steal Julia's heart? Yeah not liking it. Won't tell you who she chooses but be prepared for some ups and downs!

Characters:

Julia is the main character in the story and she is pretty much a strong heroine. Though there is a few points I kind want to punch her for the decisions she makes. I mean come on don't be that stupid! But other than that she really is a strong person for all that's she's been though. I mean losing your family maybe not in death but losing them all the same is still hard. She has to deal with suppressing her powers which is painful physically but also emotionally. Also John and Angus were the co-stars in this book. At one point I really hated Angus and by the end I was satisfied with him. John made me a little upset but other than that he really added to the story. As for the minor characters like Angus's old gang and others of their kind they kind of just were flat not really adding or subtracting from the story.

Transformation of Character:

Julia changed a little overall but not as much as I would have liked to seen. Other than a few tweaks to her personality she pretty much stayed the same. Actually Liv kind of did some transformation of her own. At the end she really did surprise me. Don't want to spoil the story so I'll just leave her at that.I kind think Julia's stepmother did more transformation than Julia, but it was still a good addition to the story just not what I would've liked to see.

Description:

Loved the description in the book. The author had a great way of describing certain scenes in the book. I was actually quite surprised. I actually thought the description in this book was better than the first. I was really able to see each place the characters visited, especially Julia and Angus's road trip adventure. And towards the ending one place especially was described excellent, really allowed me to picture it and get a good idea on the development of the story. And description on how the characters were feeling was awesome too. I really got a good grasp on the minds of both Julia and John. They both had a complex thinking process when it came time to grasping what was happening to them.

Style:

This was written in first person and was mainly written in one POV(point of view). I say mainly because in the first half of the book you see some scenes written in John's POV while most of the story is written in Julia's POV. And John 's POV was short compared to Julia's but it still had so much emotion attached to it, so much insight that wasn't revealed until the end. The book format was really well thought out and the way John's POV was placed was perfect that by the end it made the story that much more special and easier to understand. I liked the author's writing itself, kept me intrigued and easy to read. This is definitely in prose format and allowed the book to flow more smoothly.

Quote of the Book:

""That's who I was." I dangled the necklace over the drawer of my beside table, lowering it gently, then closing it back in the dark. "I have to stop. It's too dangerous to be different.""

Last Thoughts:

This book took me on a ride of a lifetime that left me gasping for air and left me with little to no sleep. I really enjoyed this book and was sad to see it end. I really do think there's way more stories this world could create so I wouldn't be surprised to see the author do a prequel. But if she doesn't this book still left me satisfied. And can I not mention the cover of this book?! It's amazing one of my favorite covers of the year so far; absolutely gorgeous! So dear readers be on the look out for this book when it comes out this October! And if you haven't read the first one go buy it and be prepared for a trip of a lifetime! You'll have plenty of time to read the first book before diving into "Select Few"!

Scheduled for release in October 2018, I have to thank the publishers and NetGalley for allowing me to read an advance copy of this.
Having chosen to leave her family, life is difficult for Julia. Hiding out in a hotel, with people hunting her father, Julia is desperate for answers but also needs to avoid doing things that could mean any of Novak’s visions come true.
Though she loves John, her worries for what could happen to an outsider dominate the early stages of the novel. This becomes more concerning as John seems to be developing his own special talents.
Initially a little slow, there’s a lot of focus on Julia trying to get answers to questions about herself, her family and what might happen in the future. There’s a rather dramatic closing section, but the possibilities for the future are exciting and I’m intrigued to see where this goes next.

I enjoyed 'Select' so was super excited to read the sequel, which did not disappoint, it was brilliant, the pace was perfect and it followed on pretty much from where the previous one left off.
I loved the little snippets of thoughts from John throughout the book, it was a great addition and I felt exactly what he was feeling. I also really liked how we finally got to meet Julia's mum!!
The only thing that bugged me was, I quite liked Angus in the previous book but in this one I'm sorry to say I found him a little irritating, although, at the end I forgive him a little bit!!
Speaking of the end, without giving spoilers, I feel it was maybe a bit too easy for Julia and with my past experience of Novak's character, I don't think he would have allowed what happened to happen as easily as it did...basically this is just me hoping there's a third book in the series, there's going to be a third right? finger crossed!!

Some spoilers ahead...

Select Few was just as wonderful as it promised to be based on the first in the series. It picks right up and you hurtle headlong into the mess that is Julia's life. With threats all around from frenemies, her people, her father, she's trying to buy time until she thinks she will be able to start her "normal" life away at school. Before that can happen and before her people go into hiding, she needs to keep John safe. When a road trip with Angus leads her back to her mother, will she find peace and the answers her soul needs?

Knowing the characters from the first title makes you feel that much more connected to them. I simultaneously wanted to struggle and squeeze Angus. I felt all the emotions John was coping with. Allowing him more of a unique voice in this book elevated it in my opinion. Emotional, angst-ridden, elusive Julia remains one of my favorites. The exploration of family within the context of these teens is well done and shouldn't be missed.

I liked the forts book and this sequel does justice to it. It was an interesting plot that kept me reading. refreshing read.

After really enjoying the previous book (Select) I couldn’t wait to get my hands on this instalment. I hoped it would captivate me as much as the first book and I’m pleased to say that it certainly did.

In no time at all I was once again immersed in Julia’s world. She was facing an uncertain future and still had many unanswered questions. Her emotions were palpable, jumping out at me and causing me to feel everything she felt!

There were so many eventful scenes but some of my favourite moments included: a tension-filled road trip, John’s thoughts, an unexpectedly revealing interview and a great escape.

This was a fantastic sequel containing plenty of revelations, power and a complicated romance. I couldn’t stop reading and was left wanting more.

Select Few brought more knowledge to the ins and out of the Puris. It also had quite a bit of mystery, and I enjoyed getting to know Julia and John better as they were on this strange quest towards freedom.
Well written, with a good story and overall plot, this novel had me glued to my kindle.

After having read and loved Marit Wiesenberg's first novel Select, I had very high hopes for her second one. Select Few didn't disappoint me, it was just as good as I thought it would be.
Julia and Angus embark on a road trip. For Julia being again with one of the members of her extended family is a welcome change after months of feeling abandoned by them. The downside is that although she thinks that she is protecting her beloved Jhon, she just cannot live without him. The author has written a plot that is both romantic and exciting at the same time since Julia and Angus are trying to run away from the FBI and also looking for Julia's birth mother. During this journey, Julia will learn facts about her past and make decisions that will shape her future.
If you liked Select, you really need to read Select Few, it's one of those novels you don't want to finish but you can't stop reading. A good sci-fi book and also a remarkable YA one.

Thanks to NetGalley for this amazing novel!

This was a fun, entertaining book that is well written. Be warned that it is book 2 in a series, and that most readers will be lost reading this if they have not already read the first book.

A good story and an interesting plot. It was entertaining.

oh I'm so stupid..
I started reading this book without realising it was the second book in a series, so I did not understand what it was about.
So I'm not able to review this untill I've read the first book!

The Select Few is a good addition to the series. It picks up where the first left off and the characters are in conflict with all the changes from the first one.

The first book was beautiful and this one was fantastic as well. Such a great story.