Actual rating : 2.5

I am so sorry, but, this book didn't engage me at all. Promising plot but not well written. Tried so hard to finish this book

What a fantastic use of mythology. I absolutely loved the premise and characters in Brett Riley's Travelers! This is a must read book. Well done!

The FREAKS are back! While I felt like the stakes were a little lower overall in Travelers, than they were in FREAKS, I found myself voraciously turning pages while reading. The author, Brett Riley, does a superb job of building up the tension with the FREAKS grouping, now that a their former bully is one of them. As the reader, it is hard to forgive the bully, but when the bullied becomes a bit too violent, I found myself swinging back and forth between who I felt more empathy for, which gives me just a little taste of what the rest of the Freaks must be feeling, too!
This novel gave us a little more time with Gabby and Christian, which I liked a lot. They were both interesting characters in the first book, but we were stuck more-so inside Jamie, Kenneth, and Micah's heads, so it was nice to see a little more of the story from Gabby and Christian's perspective.
Baltar is definitely a BAD DUDE, I can feel it... I was a little disappointed that there wasn't as much time devoted to Baltar and his magical abilities—where did they come from? what kind of portals did he open? why hasn't Micah spoken to his dad (even via text)? also, we haven't heard back from social services so how do they know someone is staying with Micah? ... I'm sure this will probably be front and center during the next book, but I felt a little disappointed in the Freaks with their lack of questioning of Baltar, aside from the first day where they just took his amulets without question.... the horror fan in me is screaming for them to be smarter!
But aside from my Baltar bothers, I loved the action and high tension that Brett Riley creates. I also really enjoyed the deeper character building in this novel, and the light romantic tension in that teenage love-triangle style.
The pacing kept me on the edge of my seat just waiting to see another rabbit poke its nose somewhere odd or for Micah to maybe lose his grasp on reality. I am now patiently waiting for Book 3, and hoping it delivers more thriller/horror vibes and some answers that are bouncing around my noggin since I finished the last page.

The writing was mostly suitable for an early YA category, therefore I found it hard to stay engaged. However, the plot was well done and I believe it would’ve made more sense and made me like it better if I had read the first book prior to this as I was unaware this was a sequel.

After reading Freaks I was honored with being given the opportunity to read and listen to Travelers almost immediately after. I'm very curious if it's just going to end where it is or if there will be a third book. Either way, it was well written and for being someone who isn't a huge fan of Stranger Things type stories, I think this author and narrator have won my heart forever! It was a page-turner and there as so much action and excitement. Was very sad for it to end

Did not realize this was part of a series that highly reflects events in the prior book. Did not like it even though the creepy factor was there.

Cannot recommend unless you read the book before this. Not for me.

Thanks to NetGalley, Brett Riley, and Imbrifex Books for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Available: 8/2/22

- thanks to netgalley and the publisher for providing me with the ARC in exchange for an early review.

I enjoyed this book alot, the plot sucked me in and I love the characters. A very easy read and very fun

If you enjoyed Stranger Things, you'll enjoy this book. I didn't even read the first book in the series and I was able to dive in and understand this story. A group of teens have super human powers that helped save their town at great cost to themselves. Now they must get over their old prejudices in order to save each other from shadowy government agents and a new supernatural threat. The characters have normal teenage problems like parents, school and crushes but they also feel compelled to protect their town. The story progresses in this book and sets up the next book. Even though I still had questions, like what is up with the creepy great-uncle, this book tells a complete story. It's fast paced and fun to read.
Thank you to NetGalley, Brett Riley and Imbrifex Books for the DRC.

Unfortunately, I'm going to have to DNF this book for now. I will try again in the future because I did not realize this was the second in a series. I need time to read the first and then come back around to this. So far the idea is promising.

A good installment in the Freaks series and a great, darker follow up to the first book! This one opened a little stronger than the first book which isn't surprising as the characters and setting were already laid out and more fleshed out overall. A fun mix of fantasy and reality, this one spoke to some of the issues seen in our modern world as well which I enjoyed. I enjoyed the powers aspect of the characters and felt immersed in the story. It tended to lull just a little bit towards the middle for me but finished up well and was a good continuation of the story of these characters.

The continuation of the story picks up at the end of where 'Freaks' leaves off. Mr Riley connects mythology with the superhero-young adult fantasy. This book could even stand along well on its own. The old gang is back and their characters grow and relationships become more complicated as more join the action. The story finished off with potential for another book.

Travelers is the second book in a book series. Freaks is the first book in the series. I did not realize this when I requested a copy of the book from NetGalley.

I was a bit list at the start, not having read Freaks, but eventually was able to catch up. The book is a paranormal, fantasy, science fiction novel.

I liked the storyline, characters, and action. The book did drag a little bit certain points, but overall it was a good book and worth the read. I will be reading Freaks and watching for the next installment.

Thank you to NetGalley and Imbrifex Books for granting me a copy of this book in return for my honest opinion.

Well, what can I say about the second instalment in this series?

I enjoyed Travelers more than the first in the series, Freaks. I thought the storytelling flowed better and I enjoyed the progression in Riley’s characters. I also welcomed the nods to Buffy the Vampire Slayer and other pop culture references.

I read this alongside the audiobook version and it just flowed. I found it easier to follow than the first book and I found myself thinking about what was going to happen next when I wasn’t reading or listening.

I’d like to thank NetGalley, Imbrifex Books and Brett Riley for a copy of both the audiobook and e-book in return for an honest review.

i was pretty sure this was a first book. i'm pretty sure i checked multiple times to make sure of it. but then when i started reading and didn't understand a thing, i discovered it was in fact a sequel to a book i've never read. so i feel unable to give a good review

I gave it 3.5 stars but I can round it up to 4!!
I really enjoyed this book. I have been waiting for a book that kept me entertained from the beginning to end and not gonna lie, I think I found it. I listened to the audiobook and I really recommend it because the narrator is really good. However, I also read it in the ebook format too. The characters were amazing in my opinion and I liked the fact they were not made out to be perfect.
I will recommend this book to anyone who is wanting to get out of a reading slump because this will absolutely bring you out of it.

Creep factor, check! Good story telling, check! Interesting characters, check! Not a bad tri-fecta, for a horror book.
Recommended

Firstly, I would like to thank Netgalley and the publisher for providing me with an e-arc in exchange for an honest review.

3 stars

The premise was intriguing and i found the concept interesting. However, the pace was too slow for me and at times felt draggy. I couldn't get myself invested into the story. Although there are few characters that were interesting enough to read.

I liked this book much more than I like Freaks. The characters had better development as well as the plot. This book had some scenes that made it feel more like a YA book than a middle-grade book to me. It wasn't really my kind of book, but I can this book getting a following

Brett Riley has done it again, as he continues his story of teenage supers battling monsters - fantasy beasts and Government agents alike.
An enthralling, fast paced, fantasy horror.
In Freaks, the previous book, the group of geeky and put upon teenagers gained super powers when they ripped a hole in the fabric of the universe and then had to deal with the monsters they let in.
Travelers continues the story; while it can be read as a stand alone, I think it will make more sense if you have read Freaks first. (Go on, get Freaks too, it’s an equally good read.)
These youngsters might be supers, but this doesn’t stop their own lives and emotions being a complete mess. They continue to have all the problems of typical teenagers - the struggle of place, friendships, anxieties, moods, emotions, hate, love and self-worth. These themes are all skilfully intertwined into the story.
Can they save the world?
Read Travelers as and live with the group through their believable, messy lives, as they try.
You will be glad you picked up this book.
Just be aware your heart strings will be plucked to the full