So I think I'm in the same boat for book two in this series as I was for book one. There are good, and interesting, and twisty things happening, with some mostly fun characters, but I'm definitely not loving this series compared to the duo's other books.

There were some big reveals in AURORA BURNING; some I saw coming, others I didn't, and while there is a bit of overall underwhelmingness happening here for me (and that makes me a little sad), I'm not about to get off this ride because we're only one book away from the end. However, that said, I did chew through this book in one afternoon, so it's still got that compulsive readability that you would come to expect from these talented authors, both as solo writers and a duo. It just doesn't have the kind of characters I'm used to loving unequivocally, and for all the Big Moments, Big Stakes, I'm still just not feeling them.

I'm again surprised (I can't remember if I mentioned it in my review for book one or not) about the heavy romance element that we have going on, mostly because it feels so less organic than their previous couples, and as a result less romantic despite the additional page time, so, it's just adding to the weird headspace I have over this whole series.

But.

When it comes down to it, I think if you loved AURORA RISING, you'll be very satisfied with this follow up -- but probably pretty mad about that ending.

GOD DAMN.

THIS BOOK. THIS FUCKING BOOK.

Aurora Burning picks up pretty quickly after Aurora Rising ends. Our gang is on the run from basically everyone in the universe, and they’re running out of options.

But then they discover a mysterious helper – one that leads to so many more questions, and things slowly, slowly start going their way.

First, I LOVE Magellan’s recap of the characters at the beginning. It’s such a clever and fun way to remind the reader of the characters and what’s going on in this world.

Y’all know I love analyzing characters, so lets talk about these guys real quick:

Aurora: I freakin love Aurora. She’s from around our time so she’s the most relatable in terms of the “what the fuck is going on in outer-space” moments. I loved watching her powers grow and learn what she’s capable of.

Tyler: The leader, the handsome one, the Goldenboy. I honestly didn’t like Tyler a whole lot in Aurora Rising, he thought too highly of himself and was the typical follow the rules, don’t question anything, soldier. But as he learns more about the universe and his team, he loosens up and becomes a more likable character.

Kallis: The Slydarthi. I love Kal. I love Kal. I love Kal. He spends so much time trying to prove that he’s more than what he appears, and he’s so sweet and wonderful. Also I love that the main romance in this story is Kal and Aurora and not Tyler and Aurora.

Scarlett: Scarlett is awesome. I love her “I don’t care what you think about me” attitude and how she’s not afraid of being sexual AF.

Finian: I’m still iffy on Finian. He’s a bit of a smartass, extremely smart, and has a weird suit because he’s used to zero-gee. He’s not the most relatable character, but he does have his usefulness.

Zila – my heart breaks for Zila. We learn so much more about her and her past in this one and its terrible. Zila finally starts to come out of her shell a little, show emotions and actually care for people in this one. But of course, it’s not that easy. Plus she has the most kickass earrings.

Okay now the PLOT. So, our helper somehow gives the gang tools that will come in handy throughout the adventure, even knowing that Cat wouldn’t be joining them on this adventure. I spent half of this book pissed off and confused because I wanted to know HOW. Here’s my working theory: Somehow in Book 3, the gang will go though a black hole or something and get sucked in the past, therefore leaving the items and clues for themselves. (let’s see how accurate this ends up being later on).

We meet Kal’s sister in this one, whose hot, terrifying, badass, dangerous, and even though she’s ‘the bad guy’ I’m a little bit in love with her. We also learn more about Kal’s past as the search for the Weapon continues. Parts of Kal’s life I kind of saw coming – there’s some mysteries and secrets that came to light that I thought were kind of obvious, but it didn’t make it any less exciting to read about.

Then there’s the actual adventure. HOLY FUCKBALLS. The journey these guys go on. imprisonment, espionage, romance, near death experiences. There is so much going on with every single page. I love that there’s never a moment of “things are calm and we’re going to get through this” its nonstop “WE ARE IN MORTAL DANGER! WHAT DO WE DO NEXT?!” Its exciting and keeps you absolutely hooked through every single page.

It’s so hard to review this book without adding spoilers, so I think we’re going to call it quits now, but here’s one final thought:

Right when we FINALLY see that light at the end of the tunnel, the glimmer of hope that things will go our hero’s way, all hell breaks loose, again. The last few pages of this book are INTENSE, and ends on a massive, horrible, deadly cliffhanger. There is no sense of calm, there’s no sense of who is going to survive, if anyone is going to even survive. It’s the WORST cliffhanger Kaufman and Kristoff have ever given us, and even though I love the two of them, I hate them just a little bit right now for how they ended this.

I cannot wait for Book 3, and if its even half as exciting as Aurora Burning I know it will be worth it.

My Rating: 5 Stars

I would like to start this review by posing a question to Jay Kristoff and Amie Kaufman: WHO HURT YOU? I still refuse to accept that a book that I’ve been dying to read could cause me so much pain. So. Much. Pain.

Aurora Rising was a fantastic book. I loved the dynamic of Squad 312 and was intrigued by both the world and the overall plot. Aurora Burning read like an editor told Amie and Jay to go as nuts a they possibly could while causing the most emotional damage imaginable to their readers…and they ran with it. It was such a whirlwind of a book that I found myself half hoping for a lull in action so that my favorite Squad could catch some actual rest.

In a surprising twist, Zila was a standout character of this sequel for me. Finally learning her backstory had be crying my eyes out and somehow, Jay and Amie made me feel connected to a character who seemed to have next to no emotional depth in book one. For my fellow Kal fans, there is definitely something here for you as well. His plot line involved twists, turns and some secrets that I did not see coming.

As you all know I like to avoid spoilers in my reviews, but I will say that I am thrilled with the direction that this series is going and while I am PISSED at Jay and Amie for finishing Aurora Burning the way that they did…I am willing to forgive them if they release book three soon. SOON. I mean the world is under quarantine…may as well give us the book early.

Oh. My. Goodness! That’s all I can say without giving spoilers - and there are SO MANY things I want to say... SOO GOOD!

Also, I met my new favorite badass villain in this book!

—
I think the Star Rating System is very subjective. I often read reviews and think I would have given it a different number of stars than the reviewer did based on what they wrote about the book. With that in mind, I decided to share how I define my ratings so you’ll understand my reviews. 😊

⭐️ This Book is terrible. If I were capable of quitting books, I definitely would have quit this book!

⭐️⭐️ This Book was just ok. I got through it, but I don’t feel I got a lot of value from it. I’ll be fine forgetting about it.

⭐️⭐️⭐️ This book was good. I enjoyed it, and never felt the need to put it down. I would recommend it to people I think would be interested in it. (This is the category most books I read fall into.)

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ This Book was REALLY GOOD! I slacked on other commitments (and sleep) to finish this book! I LOVED this book and will tell everyone I know to read it.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ This Book is Obsession and Fangirl Worthy!! I will read it multiple times, create art about it, and make a T-shirt based on it. I will do my best to make everyone I ever talk to read it.

Well if y’all were worried that this book would suffer from second book syndrome- fear not! This book was just as amazing as the first! There was great character development, a ton of action and battles, and feels. Lots and lots of feels. I absolutely loved getting to know Kal and hearing more/learning about Zika! The ending may left me with many a rant and many a question about how Squad 312 is doing... and a LOT of feelings! In all seriousness though, Amie and Jay have done it again and you won’t want to miss out on this book! I definitely need the 3rd book ASAP #thankyouverymuch

Disclaimer: I was sent a free E-ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.

Kaufman and Kristoff are fantastic! Their writing, world building, and plot development are so strong you’re 100% invested from the beginning. This was an emotional roller coaster filled with nonstop action, swoony romance, lovable and relatable characters, and quality comedic relief to help you survive all the emotions this book throws at you. Everyone needs to tag along with Squad 312 as they fight to save the galaxy from doom.

You are the fire I long to burn inside.
Let’s burn together.

In the second installment of The Aurora Cycle we keep following the Squad 312. There’s constant action and I couldn’t let it down for a second. The character development was brought to a step higher and it was beautiful reading about how much every character was affected and changed due to Aurora Rising happenings.
A few really well placed plot twists that helped the book keep a good pace, and the authors styles creating once again a masterpiece rendered this book a perfect sequel and an enjoyable book, without chill moments.

I need to let go of my past, and focus on my present. I need to abandon who I was, and embrace who I am. I just need to burn it all away.

The thing I enjoyed the most is what the authors were able to achieve with Kal and Auri’s relationship, putting it in the light without shadowing the other characters and plot. Auri and Kal, as well as all the other characters, have to fight for their love and friendship and most importantly, they all have to fight to protect and save the galaxy.

I was so glad when I was granted an ARC copy by the publisher, it has been a beautiful gift. Unfortunately, we have to wait a year before we can read what happens after that hell of a cliffhanger.

Final vote: 4,5/5

Ebook provided by the publisher in exchange of an honest review.

First of all, thank you so much to net Galley and Knopf for an ARC in exchange for an honest review!

Now, I listened to the audiobook for Aurora Rising on the day of release, so I have been EAGERLY awaiting its release! Without spoiling anything (which there is A LOT going on here), let's dive in!

Following the events of Aurora Rising, our heroes are on the run, Auri's power is getting a bit out of hand, and the terror of the creepy flower peoples hiding in GIA uniforms is not helping matters. New, hopefully permanent, new character alert! Kal's long-lost sister, Saedii, shows up. Saedii is an Unbroken warrior, trying to snag Kal and force him back into the life and violence he fled from all those years ago.

Squad 312, or what's left of it, is on the run again, from, it seems, literally every known force in the galaxy.

Auri is trying to grasp her power, a thing that can break ships and explode things when she's not in control of it and right about now, that's ALL the time. When she learns she's "the Trigger", well, she has to learn what in the Galaxy that means. All the while, her pull to Kal is stronger, and his adoration for her only seems to grow.

Our heroes get a bit more page time in this long-awaited sequel. (Come on, a year feels like a very long time when a book is this good!) Zila, who spent maybe a total of 15 pages in narration in Aurora Rising, gets some major backstory and development in this one! Her jokes, though not jokes to her, are subtle and cute and funny. Finian gets some major page time this time around, and he's not shying away from being more vocal this time around. While Ty and Scar don't necessarily get the same spotlight per usual, Scar's first narration chapter starts out with a very long and sassy opener about how being large-chested is a hindrance, and honestly? I feel you, girl.

Now, Kal....I can't tell you much, but this is HIS book. This book tells us who he is, who he was, and who he wants to be. Much of this book is spent playing with his feelings, discovering what he likes about his friends, and also, spent looking at his bare chest. There's an outfit that you'll know is THE OUTFIT when you get to it. And really, I think he's 18? So it's not creepy to ogle this sexy space elf, right? Besides, everyone else in the book does.

This book, somehow, is better than its predecessor, and despite that, I love them both equally for different reasons. I absolutely cannot wait to listen to this audiobook once it's available, and now the long wait for book 3 has begun! Anyway, on a more serious know, Amie and Jay broke my heart. That ending is everything. Sexy levels are high and mighty in this book, and if you're easily offended by sexy space elfs, this might not be the book for you.

That is all.

I am not feeling nothing. I am not feeling nothing. I AM NOT FEELING NOTHING.

Holy smokes, Jay & Amie have done it again. Aurora Rising was such a favorite fun sci-fi read for me in 2019 and I was lucky enough to receive an E-ARC of Aurora Burning from Penguin Random House! THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU!

🚀🚀🚀🚀.5 / 5
Aurora Burning definitely met my expectations in terms of a sequel novel. I always have high expectations for sequels especially if the first book was beyond amazing. Aurora Burning had the same amount of fun, sass, witt, actual LOL moments, drama, and a lil bit of romance ;). After the events that occurred in Book 1 we have our beloved Squad 312 trying to pick up where they left off in their mission towards defeating the Ra’haam. I am so happy we see further character development and relationship development between 312 members. They can’t just be limited to sarcastic and witty banter with one other especially when it comes to them needing to save the galaxy lol. I love books with a group of misfits (like Sox of Crows) and Jay + Amie do a great job of really separating the voice of each of their characters. I didn’t have to go back and double check who’s POV I was on, because I felt like I knew their voices. This is a big thing especially for multiple point of view books. I also enjoyed how we are given a sort of crash course recap on what just happened in Aurora Rising. It was a great way to get me back into the world and remember important details after not reading the book for almost a year. All in all, if you are excited for this book YOU SHOULD BE! The freaking ending of course is a cliffhanger so prepare yourself, because I WAS NOT.

As always I try to have average expectations for books because I do not want to be disappointed, so yes, be excited cause this is good, but don’t overhype it in your head. Because if it doesn’t live up to your own personal standards then that sucks and I’m so sorry 🥺 we’ve all been there before!

Oh my Maker, this was absolutely incredible. I was engaged immediately within the first few chapters, and it was so nice to be able to see Squad 312 again! I’ve loved these characters, the world(s) and everything about these books since Aurora Rising, and this book just solidified that. I loved seeing the characters develop throughout this book, seeing the world expand, and I loved the new characters we got to meet! (Well, all but one specific character).
There were a few weak-spots for me in the middle, but they didn’t take away anything from my experience reading it, and I cannot wait for the next one!

This book is so incredible and im.so grateful to have gotten the chance to read an early copy.
My heart cant even handle how much I love these characters.

*Spoiler free, but spoilers for Aurora Rising, 3.75 stars*

I liked Aurora Rising a lot more than I thought I would. It had a fantastic rag tag crew dynamic. I managed to make that trope seem fresh and new through humor and characters you can't help but fall hopelessly in love with. Plus, the plot was explosive and a lot creepier than I thought it was going to be. It had this darkness to it that I really liked. All this to say, I was definitely looking forward to the sequel! To see the characters again and to see where this world is going to go.

I was surprised with how much I liked Aurora Rising. I'm surprised at how complicated my feelings towards this one are. I'm not as enthralled by it as I was for the first one. I don't think it was a bad book, I think I was just expecting something different than what I got.

One of the things I liked the most in Aurora rising was the pacing. It was so incredibly spot on. At the end of each Part, it felt like the music was swelling, like the curtains would drop after the last sentence, and like the it was the perfect place to usher us into another section of the story. I didn't have the feeling with this one. The pacing wasn't bad, it wasn't rushed or too slow, but I didn't get the same feeling after the Parts as I did in the first book. I guess I was expecting more and I just didn't get it. I kind of felt like the book was one long piece, when it could have used some breaks in there. I know it's a minor thing, but I thought it was worth mentioning for me!

The plot sort of felt the same way to me. Like it was one long, straight road, instead of the nuts wavy thing of the first book. Sure, there were twists, but I didn't get the same sense of urgency, of mystery, of lets figure things out. There was some unexplained instances here and there, and there are some things I am incredibly curious to know, but I felt like they were kind of on the side instead of a main point of the story. Now that we know what the squad is fighting, I felt like it took a big piece of what made the first book so good. The stumbling around, the not quite knowing, the sense of danger lurking beneath the surface but not knowing what it is wasn't there. They know what they're fighting against now and I kind of missed the cluelessness and horrifying truths coming to light.

That's not to say the plot wasn't good! Because dang, do Kaufman and Kristoff know how to write a sci-fi book. This world is so expansive, filled with secrets in every single corner, with plenty of space fights thrown in there.

I don't know how I feel about where the plot went in the ending. I can't say until I know what happened, so I can't say until I read the third book. I also can't say things because even if I don't say it outright, if I even allude to it, it's spoilers. But dang is it something. It's so fast paced and so, so well done. It's a truly fantastic heartbreaker of an ending.

Every member of Squad 312 has a special place in my heart. I love how different each of them are and I love how I don't care who's POV I'm reading from because I like all of them so much. Zila even has longer chapters! I also wasn't expecting to miss Cat as much as I did. She added so much spunk and there really was a gap left without her. Plus, the mutual pining between her and Tyler was top notch.

I also didn't quite love where Auri and Kal's relationship went. There was a bit of possessiveness in there that I didn't really love. Also, there was this weird time where time was weird and I felt like it did weird things to the pacing. I don't quite know why that aspect was added in, but I felt like development, both romantic and not, could have been done in a different way. It just felt kind of awkward.

Oh, this was a filler book. I think I just realized that. It doesn't feel like a filler book and it doesn't read like a filler book, but all the things I wasn't a fan of point to the fact that I missed the intense build up, the intense fights, just the general intensity. But I feel like that's what the third book is going to be. It's going to take the small clues in laid but kind of pushed to the side in this book and turn them into explosives for the third.

This wasn't a bad book. Kaufman and Kristoff are both spectacular writers and they completely know how to write a good book with plenty of things to keep readers enthralled. I just think a lot of things didn't work for me. I should be interesting to see where things go in the third book and I think it will make my feelings about this one a lot clearer.

“Aurora Burning is like a phoenix: burning bright within its flames, the heat all consuming. Once the fire burns to mere embers, we can only anticipate what will come out of the ashes.”
Cecelia Beckman, Sheaf & Ink

The Story
Squad 312 is on the run, literally. Wanted by every government imaginable, the entire crew are now fugitives without a concrete plan. Alpha Tyler Jones and his Legionnaires’ current objective: staying alive.

But with the Unbroken entering the scene and Kal’s sister making an unexpected (and let’s be honest, unwanted) appearance, things seem to go from bad to worse. And it’s safe to say there’s an uncertainty of whether or not any squad member will actually survive.

My Thoughts
In the words of our Stowaway, “holy cake,” did this book shred my emotions and leave me trying to piece them back together!

From the first page, Squad 312 isn’t wallowing in sorrow from what they experienced in the last few chapters of Aurora Rising. No, they are up and running at a lightning quick pace. We’re right there with them through the entire book as they sprint for their lives across the galaxy. If they don’t keep moving, Squad 312 will not make it to the next ship that’s hopefully going to get them to safety (and that’s a BIG if).

To note, all of our favorite characters have been through the ringer, but they still manage to keep going, keep fighting while looking good doing it (Scarlet Isobel Jones, need I say more). Each character maintains their same feisty, clever, humorous and sometimes awkward personalities we fell in love with in Aurora Rising, even more, as we get to know them further in Aurora Burning. Every character sustains their unique individuality, having feeling and emotions readers can relate to. And each member of this crew is as bright as the constellations they navigate through.

Kaufman and Kristoff do not mess around. They set the pace right from the start and it never lets up. There is no room for a breather and even when they do make an allowance (for like five seconds), the next page has doomsday written all over it and it is BRILLANT!

With plot twists and reveals that are jaw to the floor or seeing red (or perhaps both) moments, I must admit, most of them I didn’t see coming (and there were MANY). I was amazed by what these teenagers were capable of doing without much assistance from the adults in the room. They prove time and again how capable they are to beat the odds and make difficult choices even when there literally isn’t a good option available.

Space fugitives, potential time-travel (it’s not overtly stated, but it is implied), a searing romance to envy, friendships that are tested to the breaking point, and an ending that will have you begging for more, Aurora Burning is not to be missed.

"I'm the girl who's going to save the damn galaxy..."

Where do I even begin? It's so hard for me to review this book without leaving spoilers so I'm going to have to keep this pretty simple. This book will make you laugh, cry, it will emotionally break you... and I can't thank Jay and Amie enough. To be able to feel all of these emotions and to connect to characters so deeply -- characters who stay with you once the book is long over, that's truly an amazing reading experience. I haven't stopped thinking about Squad 312 since I finished the book and I am already itching to re-read it because I'm not ready to let them go.

This book was truly explosive, action packed from beginning to end. There were so many times were I actually laughed out loud and times were I had real tears streaking my face. This book is more mature than Aurora Rising, but due to the nature of their circumstance it makes sense. All of the characters grew in their own way and I loved seeing their personalities shine. I loved the twists and turns -- I just couldn't get enough.

"I am not feeling nothing."


Thank you so much for allowing me to read an advanced copy and for leaving this burning hole in my chest. This book goes on Sale 5/5/20 and is up for PREORDER now!

This book was a wild ride from start to finish! I did not want to put it down and ended up finishing over the weekend. Well done Jay and Amie for writing such an incredibly well thought out twisty Sci-Fi/Fantasy tale that leaves you breathless by the end. I will be anxiously and impatiently awaiting the 3rd book in the series.

I like this series, but I don’t LOVE it like so many people do.

Spoilers may appear so just go if you don’t want to see them. K?

Aurora Burning was a good second installment to this series though, and I quite enjoyed it. There was constant action, constant high stakes...literally zero chill with this second installment.

I enjoyed the character growth most of all in this installment. Especially with Aurora, Zila, and Ty. Their character arcs were my favorite of the group. I enjoyed how Zila slowly started to open up and even attempted a joke at one point in the book that Fin in particular enjoyed. Cute.

Aurora learning to control her powers, her confidence in Kal and her openness with the rest of her friends who couldn’t trust her before. The shift in their relationship overall was just nice to see flow and become an actual friendship.

Ty learning that he has freaking powers and that his mother was a waywalker!! Blew my mind. Holy Crap. Also his developing friendship with Kal’s sister, I’m here for it whether it’s platonic or romantic. Literally don’t care either way 😂. Just want something to SHIP when it comes to the two of them.

Some not so shocking revelations were when we found out that Kal is the son of the star...oh my god I forgot what he calls himself...but the guy who blew up Kals planet 😂. Yes. That guy. That’s Kal’s father. The bastard. and of course Kal never thought “hey, me and Aurora are like a thing now...maybe I should tell her this ground-breaking information?” I mean, I get her being angry and Kal not being able to handle it but LOOOK WHAT HAPPENED. They dumped Kal on the side of the road 😂.

I feel like this book was such a good set up for book 3. I cannot wait to see the cover, and to know what happens in that last installment.

I…..honestly don’t even know where to begin with this review. I have been SO excited for Squad 312’s journey to pick back up since I read <i>Aurora Rising</i> as an ARC back last March. I’ve said this before and I’ll say it again—being able to be one of those people who are lucky enough to read ARCs is AWESOME. Who doesn’t want to get these books as early as humanly possible, am I right?! However. There are also TWO main downsides to this. 1) You are VERY limited to the number of people you can fangirl to about the book you just devoured and 2) you are now forced to wait EVEN LONGER until the next book comes out. In the case of <i>Aurora Burning</i>….I might die. This GD book ends on THE CLIFFHANGAR OF ALL CLIFFHANGERS, PEOPLE. I honestly couldn’t even tell you the last time I read a book that ended with me furiously trying to swipe left on my Kindle over and over and over to no avail, praying that my Kindle was just frozen and that I didn’t just read the end of the book and am stuck wondering, WAITING to see what happens for over a year. Sigh.

I’ve seen a few reviews already that have said they loved this one even more than the first. While I’m not sure I can quite agree with that, they were at least on an equal level. Getting to know everyone just that little bit more (especially more on Zila’s past) was great. There were a LOT of twisty parts, especially towards the end that just left me reeling. There are things that we end the book not knowing that will drive you BONKERS. Basically a good word to describe this book is ~frantic~. They’re all in a rush to not get killed, to learn more about Auri’s powers, to find the Weapon, to save the galaxy—you know, real important things.

Aside from ALL THAT though, even just seeing them grow is a family unit made my heart swell. They are all affected from the situation with Cat, understandably, and none of them really want to take this connection they all have for granted in any way. We see certain romantic relationships grow which made me so happy and I’m hoping that we’ll see more…cries…of that..sniffles…in the next book. I really don’t want to give ANYTHING away, just know that this was the sequel that I had been looking for and I will be counting down the mother-biscuit-ing days until that last book is out.

<i>Huge thanks to NetGalley and Random House Children’s for the chance to read an eARC of this book in exchange for my honest opinions.</i>&

SQUAD 312 is back!

I’m so thankful to have been sent an ARC but also so frustrated because NOW I NEED BOOK 3! Jay and Amie are masters of wrenching hearts out. I found myself going through every emotion during this book. I cried, smiled, wanted to throw the book, and more. They are geniuses when it comes to twisting a plot. Aurora Burning is on fire as an amazing second book in the series. Immediately the book grabbed my attention and thrust me back into the world I so dearly missed.

It was amazing to rekindle with Ty, Scarlett, Fin, Aurora, Zila, and of course my favorite—Kal. I almost forgot how much I LOVE these character. Each one is unique and that is I think what makes this book special. A group of misfits with their own quirks and varying personalities come together and forge a bond for the ages. I absolutely loved reading about them, I love the different POV’s even more as we see inside what makes each character their own.

I was so happy when the cover reveal showed my favorite space baby, Kal, on the cover. I was even lore excited that this book focuses around him in a big way. Meaning; we get insight into Kal’s family and childhood as they play a role in the plot. Aurora grows as a person in this book too which is fun to see. We get to see her strength and purpose. Ty and Zila, I found more interesting this time around. Ty got his own story line with a new character that really showed just how much an Alpha he truly is. We get to see in action as a leader and we also learn more about him and his feelings—specifically toward Cat, his sister, his squad, and his parents. We learn more about his past (most of which is SHOCKING). We watch as Ty and his quick thinking as he formulated plans, gets himself in danger, and undergoes torture. Zila became a lot more interesting than book 1 because as this “unfeeling” girl grows to like her friends/squad, we begin to learn the dark past behind what made the girl so “unfeeling.” Scarlett as always was comical, bada*s, and fierce. I love her to death. Her empowerment and fiery wit is what makes her so d*mn likable. Fin, was a bit disappointed he didn’t have as much a big role as book 1, but nonetheless we get to see his character development too. I love that sassy alien.

Aurora Burning is action based with a sprinkle of romance, a heaping of sarcasm, 5 and half cups of sexy characters, and just a pinch more of plot twists and shocks that I can handle!! This book is just as amazing as the first, if not better, if you loved Squad 312 you will love them in this new addition to the series. Watch as they grow closer, learn from their mistakes, make new mistakes, and go on a mission that will change them forever!

FIVE STARS — well done Jay and Amie…now give me BOOK 3 because you CANT just end a book like that!!!