In a world where humans and cyborgs are not allowed to speak to each other, and cyborgs are persecuted for being what they are, Terra, a human, has a hard time fitting in. She fights in illegal fights and dreams of a cyborg boy. When she sees the boy from her dreams in real life, she has to know why. Her pursuit of the truth will test her will and will put her and everything she loves in danger. Will she find the answers she seeks? At what price?

I was very interested in this book, because I liked the concept of humans and cyborgs living together yet separate. This book did not disappoint! It gave a vibe of X-Men meets the Hunger Games, which was pretty interesting. If you’re looking for a sci-fi adventure with a bit of romance, this is a good book for you!

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for allowing me to read this book as an eARC.

I have a really hard time rating this. When I first started the book it took me til about 20% to get pulled in which usually means that I'm going to hate it. That was not the case. I ended up loving it. I did not read the original trilogy but was able to read along just fine. It felt slow to me to get into mostly because the vast difference in genre I am use to. I just have never once saw a cyborg sci-fi and thought 'oh wow this sounds interesting' but I'm thinking that was a mistake. I am now obsessed with this crazy tale. Horrifying yet romantic. It has nothing on the fae males in my life but I will be picking up the original trilogy.

I love it when a book can stand on it own mertis. Sometimes when a new spinoff series gets started but takes place in the same world it easy for an author to forget we didn't all start in the same place. Johns didn't make this mistake, and it was done very well. This series what captivating and exciting and felt like a thriller set in the future with enough technology to make this millenial's head spin. This book is perfect for fans of Asimov and "the robot problem" genre books. The pacing and plot of this book was beautifully sculpted, and made me want to dig into the previous series that spun off from.

After Darkness had a promising start - a cyborg and human, two species forbidden from interacting, embark on an adventure to save their dystopian world and fall in love along the way.

However, I felt the plot wasn't really very engaging, and the characters were unconvincing. The book itself was well written, and there were parts that I quite enjoyed, but overall it just felt like an echo of several books I've read before with nothing to really distinguish it.

I discovered later that this is the sequel to a previous trilogy, and wonder whether I would have enjoyed it more if I'd read that first?

I had a hard time with this book - the characters felt very flat, in both their actions and word choices, the setting didn't do anything to differentiate itself from all the YA dystopian novels before it, and the story seemed to drag. The romance between two of the protagonists felt cliche (opposites attract, brooding vs tempestuous, etc.), and the overall plot felt fairly rote. If you're a major fan of YA dystopian novels, by all means read this book (and likely the rest of the series), but if you've felt like you got your fill of the Hunger Games/Divergent/Maze Runner novels with the originals, you're not missing much.

Love the basis of this sequel to Eternal Darkness. It focuses on the main character, Terra, a human, who dreams about, and meets a cyborg boy, Kalem. They embark on an adventure to try to rid the world of an evil immortal X-Prototype, that is secretly controlling the government. Humans and cyborgs are forbidden to even speak to each other, much less become friends, adding to their forbidden relationship.
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During the book I felt like the story of Scarlet would have be a much better focus; and then I learned, Eternal Darkness explains her story (even though you’re suppose to be able to read this on it’s own, I think that story would have increased the impact of this one, if I read it prior).

Overall it’s a great read, the action scenes are descriptive and colorful; it kept me interested in the story. It’s fairly quick and easy to read, but seems to pull elements from a few other more well known novels (Hunger Games, Cinder, Divergent Series, …)

I thought we’d basically stay within the mind of Terra for the entirety of the book, but it becomes obvious thats not the case about half way through when we jump to different scenes without Terra in them, playing into the fact I felt the character thoughts are sporadic, and development is slim; making most of them lack the depth they need for me to really feel attached.
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The ending wasn’t anything unexpected; but leaves us wanting to see where things go… but in the world of Scarlet more so than Terra.

Rating: 3.5/5

I would like to thank J.F. Johns & Amazon Publishing for my copy of the ARC. Due to this kind gesture, I have decided to leave an honest review.
God damn you, Amanda! When will you research a book before you apply for the ARC? This book is a sequel series to a series called Eternal Darkness Trilogy. Luckily, you don't have to have read the first series to get to grips with it but I think it would help.

In a world where humans and cyborgs coexist, it is forbidden for them to interact. Terra has never grasped this law, but when your dad is an extremely important part of the government, she knows she is meant to be a good girl. In her posh neighbourhood, at her posh school, with her posh friends, but what happens if that never satisfies? Especially after the loss of her mother. Terra decides the only way to deal with her anger is the pits. Where humans & cyborgs alike come to fight, illegally of course. That is where Terra sees him, the silver-eyed boy who has plagued her dreams while he dies.. each and every time. Can Terra fight the urge to get involved in a revolution, or will she be the one to kick start it?.

I actually really enjoyed this book, yeah the writing was a bit lost on me at times but it kept me gripped. I couldn't tell if he was going for a younger YA audience or not, but then some sexy time made me realise probably not but it did tend to fall that way.

The world-building had some real Hunger Games vs Divergent going on. There were 7 Capitals, each having a real futuristic theme which really gave it HG feels. Each Capital (district) served a purpose, had watchers (peacekeepers) plus had curfews. No man's land kinda reminded me of Divergent, and the walls/fences around the Capitals reminded me of both books but it certainly had its own spin on it which was good.

There was a lot of characters (not too many that would blow your mind) but a good few. I think this is where it would have helped to have read the first books that the story originated from as these cyborgs seem pretty badass. I even found myself rooting for them pretty early on in the book which was awesome!

Our leading lady Terra Underwood was rather good, she started to get a bit annoying nearer the end of the book but she started off pretty strong. I have a lot of love for our cyborgs. The twins Ten & Rife were so creepy but I absolutely loved their characters! They reminded me of something from the shinning and I could imagine them rolling around on their plastic tricycles whispering "oil rummmmm, OIL RUMMM".

There were major strong females in here, Camille was obviously extremely cool, but Scarlette is going to be KICK ASS! or so I hope. Scarlet has the potential to knock it out of the park and I love the whole world destroyer thing. Morgana, we haven't heard much of yet so I am dying to see what happens with her character, I hope she's a super badass like Scarlet. Petra is a real devil, a proper Mike Tyson *wink wink* and she is ready to go to town! I always love a good villain, they make the story. There was a few characters who just went completely MIA like Hooky? He was a huge part then boom 0. Also, Terra's friend Damien?! Sasha & Damien both went MIA but Sasha still returns, Damien is just never heard from!

That brings me to our swoon-worthy cyborg males, and they certainly are hot hot. Eric Thorn has that cheeky cocky confidence around him that I absolutely love! He always seems up to something while not being up to actually anything. Malcolm Broddory we haven't heard much from him yet, but I can feel myself getting behind him. Then we have Kalem Akuma, oh how the Lord has answered our prayers! I never realised how much I wanted a cyborg boyfriend with serious KJ Apa feels (with KJ's natural colour of his hair of course). He comes across as mysterious, brooding, heart swooning male. He and Eric have done a number on me and I need another hit!

All in all the book was pretty good and I will certainly be reading on, I actually can't wait to see what unfolds.

https://mandyizzym.tumblr.com

"'Shoe's take time, your ginormous feet need time to adjust.' 'My feet are not big.' ' You know what they say about big feet...' Malcolm arched an eyebrow, then realising what she had meant glanced down at the shoes and said, You are right. My feet are big, aren't they?' Men, Camille thought.

I enjoyed this book, it was original and unpredictable.I liked the main character, I like flawed characters, and she certainly was.The story was good, the world that had been created was interesting and there were many unexpectedly fascinating characters.I thought it was a very entertaining read.

This book is a sci-fi fantasy YA novel and it gave me a bit of supernatural vibes as well. Which got a little confusing later.

It starts with Terra who has nightmares about a boy she tries to save him but fails. In her real life she fights in the pits and has contact with cyborgs which is highly illegal.
One day she notices the boy in her nightmares in the stands of fighting pit. And when the pits are attacked and raided by Watchers/police. The boy saves her and takes her to his hideout/home. Where she meets the other cyborgs and Scarlett who is the x prototype. Who they say is the reason for the war/ rebellion.

There is a forbidden romance between the cyborg boy and Terra(human). She is blind from one eye. Which she constantly thinks in her book is a flaw and is very conscious about it. Yet she is true to herself her flaws her temper. I liked that about her. I would love to know more about Kalem he sounds like an interesting person. And the monster... now him/it has me intrigued.

All the other characters though, frankly speaking I was lost! I haven't read the previous series and since there are many characters and mentions from the previous ones. I could not really understand their motivation their relationship with one another. Which is why i found this book confusing. I found myself feeling detached from the events unfolding in the book which is clearly important and I would understand them if I read the previous series.

I felt like the whole relationship between Terra and scarlett wasn't explained, her grandmother was out of the play so to speak too early. The cyborg from the pits who Terra risks her life for was just mentioned in passing when clearly he meant a lot to her.
I didn't feel Terra had any attachment to her friends no matter how hard we were told they were important and what happens later in the book.

I would suggest readers to read the previous series before picking this one.

Thankyou to Netgalley and the Publisher for providing me with the ARC for an honest opinion

So where is the next book in this series?

I read this without knowing that it was the follow up to the Eternal Darkness trilogy.
And while I could follow the story just fine because it has new characters, there are characters from the original trilogy involved who will make you want to read the first three books because they are so strong and wonderful. Also, the story is beautifully complex and I'm sure that- while it isn't necessary - reading the story from the beginning will enhance the experience even more.

There is the forbidden relationship between a girl and a Cyborg, there are some supernatural elements like mindcontrol and there is a seemingly mighty government that has their eyes and ears everywhere.
Not to forget the mysterious prototype Cyborgs who seem to be immortal...

I really can't wait to be be back in this world and see where the Cyborgs are taking us next!

Thank you to the publisher and Netgalley for this eARC.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

This is the beginning of a sequel series to Eternal Darkness trilogy. But you can start with this book and not have read the prequels like I did and really enjoy it. And you will join me in anticipating the sequel.

In a near future with a controlling New Government, cyborgs live among humans as lesser citizens. They have returned after being exiled, due to the revolution. Cyborgs and humans are not allowed to interact without official permission.

Terra lives in a privileged part of the city but spends her nights taking parts in illegal underground fights. There she meets Kalem, a cyborg, who is the boy that she has been having nightmares about!

They mystery of what binds them together gets you hooked, as circumstances bring them into each other's lives. And what a pair they make: The rebellious, wisecracking but ultimately kind Terra, with the seemingly always serious, secretive and obviously wounded Kalem. Their interactions boast of a great chemistry being developed in spite of their reservations, due to trust issues and the illegality of it all.

I really like that Terra has no prejudice against cyborgs. How brutally honest she can be. And that she constantly wants to throw things at Kalem!

There is more to this world than just the dictatorial government on the surface. This is sci-fi with a hint of a supernatural element to it. The author has done a great job in filling this book with engaging characters. Quite a feat to decide on a fave. A richness in emotions embellishes the narrative. Discovering what is really going on is so intriguing, and we do it along with our protagonist in such interesting ways. Also there is no predicting where the story is going.

Sometimes things are over-explained, but luckily that doesn't ruin the pace, even though there are a few 'slower' parts.

In a nutshell, this is about having faith in the ability to change things for the better. About battling your demons, facing your past and becoming stronger because of it.

A girl/Cyborg who falls for a human boy, who needs anymore title then that.

Terra a girl who everyday goes to the pits, a place for fighting, where she is the is the best in her category. keeps dreaming about a boy whom she can't save.

One day, she meets the boy and asks him the questions she needs answers too, the answer will not come easily, because he is a cyborg and she is human, and it's forbidden for them to talk to each other.


Highly recommend to read this book, if you have never read anything by this Author this should be the first.

Woah! I actually could not stop reading this book. Cyborgs and humans unable to mingle... forbidden love ... a terrifying evil controlling the government... what’s not to love!

In all seriousness, this story sucked me in from the beginning. It is a completely different fantasy story than I am used to, but it does not disappoint. Read this book you will not regret it!