Select Few

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

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.

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

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!

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 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.

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

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 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!!

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.

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"!

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

I have to start by saying that I loved the romance in the story. John and Julia are perfect and not for a second I thought Angus would be a love interest so that was nice, not a love triangle (even if I don't mind love triangles). The going back and forth in the chapters was the only thing I didn't like and actually all the way till the end I didn't quite get the parts that seemed like diary entries or inner thoughts about John. I was really confused about those parts but then at the end I got it, I understood what was happening.
I really do like their story, it's quite different (the plot and background are really cool) and I gotta say that I would still like to read more of their story. I don't know if this is the last book but I believe that there is room for more. It's not a cliffhanger and the story felt like it had ended but there could be more and I would read it for sure.
Would definitely recommend the Select series to all my friends.

I ended up really enjoying this contemporary fantasy! I'm sure that I would have connected with the story earlier had I read the first book in the series. It was interesting enough and had enough detail for me to follow the current plot. The story deals with trust between family and friends and how to overcome & forgive betrayals. Especially if they are intentional!

I recommend this book as a quick read to lovers of YA fantasy and romance. I'm looking forward to finding the first book (and hopefully the third book) next!

Thanks to Netgalley for an advanced reader's copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.

I have received this ARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

Okay, so I just recently dove back into the first book of this series Select. The second time around I still ended up loving the whole thing: characters, story, drama, etc. You name it and I probably loved it.

After diving into this book, Select Few, well I can honestly say I still really enjoyed everything. Julia is such a strong character to get behind. I honestly have no idea how I would survive or what I would do if I was ever put in her position. She walked away from her family, even knowing that her dad wanted to leave her behind, and she still ended up proving to not only herself but to everyone from her old community that she was stronger than before. She was the next true leader and all she had to do was stand up to her crazy and super douchey dad.

However, that doesn't mean that I loved every little thing about this book because trust me I was mad at a ton of stuff. Julia and Angus were just frustrating at times. The there was the whole mom thing and that got me mad too. I just feel liked characters did certain things that just ended up rubbing me the wrong way. Towards the end, I definitely feel like they sort of redeemed themselves.. but I'm still not one hundred percent sure.

Then there's Julia and John - I just simply adored them. I hated how they were when they were apart. Of course it frustrated them both and things were happening out of their control.. John's little rebellion when he was using his magic to heal him when he knew he wasn't supposed to use his ability at all. Then the whole fighting going on between them almost broke my heart. I just wanted them to end up together because they honestly were way better when they were actually together.

Again, I just loved these two so much. Overall, the ending was perfect in my eyes. I have no comments or improvements for it. I loved getting to read some of John's POV (because it was amazing) and I just hope and pray that there's going to be a third book. If not, I will be happy with these two forever.

I remember when I first came across the first book in the Select series, I feel in love with it instantly. This was just the same. It is part of a series so leads on from where Select left off, but it takes us on a now journey.
I loved it, and even though I have read the advanced copy, I know I will be purchasing it when it is released. I would certainly recommended this book to some of my friends!

Review URL: https://www.thepagewalker.com/2018/08/book-review-select-few-by-marit.html
Date of publication: 18 August 2018; 7:30am Central Standard Time

This 2nd book in the Select series offers more than the first book. If you’ve read my review for Select, you know what I mean.

Julia went her separate way the night her family disappeared, while keeping her boyfriend John’s abilities from out of her family’s radar, and dogging the FBI, who believes Julie can lead them to Novak.

Aside from the tension between them, Julia and John decided to go their separate ways for John’s safety and health. She and Angus reunited to hunt down her birth mother in California. Along the way, she learned some new details about herself, their race, and, how may be, they are not the only race evolving.

For all YA fans out there, all the trending YA elements are still present in this installment. But I’m happier that Ms. Weisenberg pursued the "Chachapuris perspective" more now. Also, all the major characters are back. I’m sorry that Julia and John’s relationship was not romanticized more, as expected by most YA readers. Although, I really don’t think that’s what the author is really gunning for this series. So, we all should hang tight and see how these all fuses together.

I loved this second book in the Select series! The second book was as good or better than the first. Julia had decided to break with her family when they went into hiding and is now living in a hotel (she has all the family money and is very wealthy!). She is trying to suppress her enhanced abilities, but people are always drawn to her anyway so she stays hidden as much as possible. The story continues where the first book left off and I think you would miss a lot if you haven't read the first book.

This is a fun fantasy read and I would recommend it. The story is unique and interesting. It is well written in a style that is easy to read and keeps you interested.

Thanks to Marit Wiesenberg and Charlesbridge through Netgalley for an advance copy of this novel.

Great, original story. I enjoyed finding things out about all the characters and the string of mystery is very entertaining. I really enjoyed reading this book!

Select Few is the sequel to Select which follows Julia and her cult-like family as they try to hide their unusual abilities from the rest of the world. Oh, and Julia's forbidden romance with John, an outsider. This one picks up where the first book left off and is a twisty story about love, the complexity of family relationships, and discovering who you are. The series also has a very interesting premise involving human evolution and unusual abilities.

A lot happens in this book and while it was interesting, the plot felt rather meandering at times. The first book felt much more straightforward in terms of structure and plot beats and I think this could have been streamlined. However, I still very much enjoyed it. We do get a bit of a love triangle in this book, and we finally get to learn more about Julia's mysterious mother. It does a good job wrapping up loose ends to a satisfying conclusion, but still leaves room for more. I received an advance review copy of this book via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.

This is a fun fantasy read and I would recommend it. The story is unique and interesting. It is well written in a style that is easy to read and keeps you interested. Thanks to NetGalley for an advance copy of this novel.

Julia, never feeling like she quite fit in with her influential father's family, has decided to separate herself from them and their cultish vibe. Now, her father, Novak, and the rest of her extended family has vanished, and the FBI is watching her to see if she leads them to their whereabouts. On the brink of getting ready to go to college and start the next chapter of her life, Julia begins to notice that her boyfriend, John, seems to be developing his own supernatural powers the more time they spend together. Not wanting him to fall victim to the struggles she faces, she decides to give him some space as she ventures west to find out more about her mother's side of the family. But, along the way, she encounters faces she thought she'd never see again, throwing her in a tailspin. Will she and John be able to overcome the summer of separation? Will Julia find answers to her questions about her mother?

I entered into this one realizing it was the second book in a series, and I have not read the first. It left me with a little bit of confusion here and there, but Weisenberg did a nice job of scaffolding the background knowledge needed to be able to understand this novel, without making it seem redundant to someone who'd read the first novel. I love YA. I really love YA novels that transport my thinking to a fantastical place. Therefore, I really loved this one.

The idea that there is another human life-form with supernatural abilities living among us is so intriguing. Weisenberg did an amazing job of developing her characters and their subtle "powers", making the reader question whether or not they have ever encountered another human capable of supernatural talent in real life. Julia is a "girl next door" character that struggles wither her past and what is to come of her future. The emotional battle between family and personal beliefs, as well as the "breaking up for your benefit" argument are so real to a young adult that the reader can't help but relate. I will definitely be reading the first in the series that I missed, and I am crossing my fingers number three is right around the corner!

Before she saw them Julia sensed the paparazzi who lay in wait like sentries. Julia recognized a couple of them and wanted to prevent their interference in today of all days. Julia went through the heavy exit door then pushed enough energy through to make a hairline fracture. Then Julia started her run, feeling her muscles relax by the second. The faster she ran, the sooner she would arrive at the house. She kept running going away from all of it. From all the eyes on her. From the ghosts. Julia hadn’t been outside for three days. It had almost been one year since Julia risked exposing her family’s secrets to stop her sister from drowning. Julia’s heartbeat sped up when she saw John. It had been six months since she had seen John. John had scared her when he told her about a vision he had of where her family was hiding. Visions were something only Novak, her father could experience. The night she ran away from home, the same night her entire clan seemingly disappeared off the face of the earth. Novak told her about a prophecy he said that they would be able to read the mind of an outsider and that person would be essential to their survival. She had an idea that he wanted to probe there were more of them -genetically advanced - humans or at least that there were people who might be able to shift to become more like them. Novak had no idea Julia had been reading John’s mind for month at first she had been embarrassed by her strange connection to an outsider. Julia was in love with John. Then she read in John’s mind “my girlfriend’s here” . Julia was surprised she hadn't been able to read John’s mind in months. Julia thought of the lost kids -nher private name for the group of boys from her extended family who like her, had been told not to use their abilities . All Julia wanted was a fresh start. To fly under that radar -blend in, to be able to go to a party like this and act ehr age. Everyone knew Julia was the daughter of the world famous fugitive. Her entire family of sixty disappeared. But Julia stayed behind . But she missed her sister Liv Julia had been working on her hypersensitivities . So they they'd be together in California . John just had his summer competition tour to get through. Julia was the daughter of the Oracle of Austin, the billionaire who disappeared off the face of the earth with sixty people and is \now wanted by the FBI. That wasn’t the kind of attention Stanford wanted. John’s only vulnerability as far as Julia could tell was John’s only vulnerability as far as Julia could tell was his fear she would lose interest that he wasn’t enough compared to the Puris. Angus specifically as Julia had dumped John. Angus had looked at her. Julia had wanted her family to take her back. But in the end she wanted John more. When Julia got in her car Angus was in the back seat. They went to a rural road and Angus said “ you’re good I’ve been watching you. Angus told julia he knew where her father and the rest were and her father had someone watching her and she needed to leave Austin and she needed to be away from John for the summer for safety reasons for her, Angus and his family and John himself before Novak figured it out and abducted John to punish her. Also she knew that John was different to. Angus also said she needed to leave Austin with him. Going with John as he went to the tennis championship tour she would be noticed as would John.
I really enjoyed this book. It was definitely a different kind of novel, that being said it was a very good read. I loved John and Julie together through it all. I loved how they interacted most of the time. I loved the plot. At times this dragged for me but even with that I didn’t want to put this down. I loved how close Alex and John were. I also really enjoyed the world building the author did. Especially for the Puris. I really liked how Elizabeth acted different when Julie went back and left the kids with her. This was just very interesting to me. I really liked the characters and the ins and outs of this story and I recommend this.

This is Book 2 in a series so reading the first is a requirement. The premise is what sucked me in., "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, John--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."
What really made me want to read this was the setting! I adore Austin and then a road trip. This is a fun fantasy read to enjoy!

This was a unique story and very well written for fans of nyxia type stories or the book nyxia. I was thankful for a review copy!

This was a wonderful book. it was a great story from start to finish and kept my attention. The Select Few is a good addition to the series. It picks up where the first left off.

I really enjoyed this book, it was a great sequal and one i really enjoyed. I would highly recomend it.

I was initially drawn to this series because of its premise. A race of super humans living among us with secrets and a cult like vibe? Sounds super awesome! I enjoyed book 1 a lot so I was really happy I got an e-arc for this sequel.

In the end, I didn't enjoy this book AS much as book 1, but it was an overall OK read so I'll give it a solid 3 star rating. To me, the pace and the development just was a bit slow I think. I also wasn't too happy with Julia and John spending so much time apart because I really loved their romance development in book 1 and I just wanted more haha!

What made me give it 3 stars in the end and not a lower rating was that I just really like the writing style and the characters in general a lot and that basically made up for the parts that I wasn't too enthusiastic about.

If you liked the first book, I'd still suggest picking this one up because it's still fun to continue the story after having read book 1. But I'd also suggest trying to go into this one with as much of a blanco state of mind and low expectations and you'll be good! For me, having had some expectations beforehand, it was a bit of a letdown on some parts unfortunately.

So, confession time: I did it again. I picked up a stunning-looking book without realizing it was the second novel in a series. Select Few, written by Marit Weisenberg, is the second novel in the Select series. Thankfully, you can still (apparently) follow along without having read the first novel. Speaking from experience.

Julia just rejected the cult-like influence that came with her father's family. Now, she must face her fears. Thankfully, she's not entirely alone, as her boyfriend (John) has stuck around. Only, that's part of her fear that her family will come for John.

To make matters more complicated, the FBI hopes to find Julia's father through her, which doesn't comfort Julia in the least. Still, this adventure is about to start something new, including a journey towards self-realization.

Select Few is a fantasy novel perfect for readers who love that careful balance of magic and drama. There's a lot of both within these pages, creating something that is both fast-paced and entertaining.

I was impressed by how easy it was to follow along, despite accidentally skipping the first novel in the series. Though admittedly, I think it kept me from forming as strong of a connection for the characters. Sorry.

A lot is going on here, and some of it took me a bit of time to process. Again, not because I had difficulty following it simply because it actually carried a lot of weight with it. Or at least, it felt like my emotions and mind needed time to settle at certain points. Maybe that's just me.
Overall, I'd say that Select Few is worth reading – especially for fans of the series!

Unfortunately I did not realize tris was not the first book in the series, regardless this was an amazing read. Would recommend. Note: I received an ARC in exchange of an honest and unbiased review.