Travelers

This was a great continuation to the Freaks story.

We got to go deeper into each of the characters personalities. I loved Christian's development most of all. She's definitely my favourite character. I cannot wait to see how Micah's story progresses!

We were introduced to some new characters that really fit into the story so well. I'm sure they're going to play big parts in the future.

The plot moved at a decent pace. It kept me hooked from the first page.

Overall, the Freaks series is quickly becoming one of my favourites and I highly recommend it!

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

I heard about Freaks, but haven’t yet read it. I realized this was a sequel. It didn’t take long to figure things out.
Riley has a brilliant mind and I admire his imagination and creativity in giving what might be a group of outcasts in school a voice, inspiration, and a purpose. There were a few gruesome scenes but nothing that turned me off from the story. Very original, with a bit of the old TV series “Heroes” vibe to it. I plan to read Freaks, and any sequels from this story. Whether you are YA or not, if you like adventure, and seeing underdogs get ahead of their game, you will like this book. The characters were clear, concise, and (mostly) likable. Four well-deserved stars.
Thank you to Netgalley, the publishers, and Mr. Riley for an ARC in exchange for my honest opinion.

Thanks to the publisher for providing an eARC of Travelers in exchange for an honest review.

Hi friends! I'm pretty sure I'm either blind or started travellers before the netgalley was updated to make it clear its a sequel because I have very specific memories of crosschecking both netgalley and goodreads to try and make sure it was the first book in the series before requesting it and that's why I still read the whole thing even though I felt a tad thrown into things. It is, in fact, a sequel. I'm giving this a mid-range review because I still want to put it as a book I read on my goodreads but READ A REVIEW FROM SOMEONE WHO'S ACTUALLY READ THIS WITH THE CONTEXT FROM THE FIRST BOOK.

And I thought I enjoyed Freaks?! Travelers By Brett Riley was an extraordinary read.
It was so creepy and strange and extremely well-written.
Brett wrote another winner that completely held me captive till the amazing ending.
The book is riveting. Compelling and totally different.
I read it one sitting and was seriously bummed it had to end.
His writing is remarkable and had me wanting more.
I devoured Travelers and his ones before this.
I will read anything he writes.

Imbrifex Books,
Thank You for your generosity and gifting me a copy of this amazing eARC!
I will post my review closer to pub date.

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

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

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

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

Okay. Unfortunately, I didn't know it was a sequel to the books. So I didn't have the opportunity to read the first one, but I guarantee this second one is great. Despite not having read the first one, in this book we realize how much it refers to the previous one. The characters are captivating and so is their development. The action scenes themselves are incredible. At times I felt the reading a little slow, probably because I didn't follow the other one. It's obvious that those who read the first one will understand more, as I didn't have the opportunity, I leave here my assessment of this one that in any case captivated me a lot. A good book.

Thanks to the publisher and NetGAlley for providing of Travelers in exchange for an honest review.

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

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

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.

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!

Ever drive through Southeastern Arkansas and wondered why there are no trees? It's because the Freaks have returned to play havoc with the forests. This time they're aided in their woody eradication by gloop-shooting FBI agents.

At least the Freaks are a little nicer to each other than they were in the first novel, Freaks. They can still be catty to each other, but there is romance in the air and being snarky doesn't improve one's love life. They are insulting to the weird uncle, but heck, who wouldn't want a creepy, kookie, altogether spooky uncle who does magic and drives a Lexus?

This is the fourth book I've read this year with icky, villainous rabbits. Are itty-bitty bunny rabbits the new monsters in books? Bitsy bunny did make for a cool cover for Travelers.

If you can get past the wanton treeicide, it's a pretty exciting book. Some good, scary monsters in addition to criminal bunnies. Thanks to Netgalley and Imbrifex Books for allowing me to read and review an eARC of Travelers.

This is the second book in the FREAKS series, an absolutely wonderful series for anyone who needs an escape from everyday drudgery. As our intrepid super heroes work together to save their hometown, they must keep one step ahead of the "government" agencies that would love to run tests on our Freaks. Brett Riley has done an excellent job of keeping the Freaks world building running smoothly while adding to the depth of the characters and giving them a life outside their heroic efforts. All in all, this is a great series for any and everyone.

Fantastic follow up to the book Freaks. I really loved the original book and this one was just as good. Fast paced and interesting! Loved it!

Well! I am among the NetGalley reviewers that didn't know that this was a sequel when I requested it - and I requested it after I got duped into reading a few double-digit series books so I *know* I checked!

All that aside, I really enjoyed this book! The characters are likeable, their social struggles are believable... heck, even their struggles as newly-minted "freaks" are believable! I'm definitely going to check out the first novel of this series when my TBR is a little lighter, but I really enjoyed this and would recommend this series to anyone looking for a nice change of pace (which I was!)

Thank you to the publisher and Netgalley for giving me a copy for review!

I enjoyed this superhero novel set in Arkansas (a place not given much attention to). I appreciated the LGBTQIA+ representation especially for a book set in Arkansas. I do plan on continuing with this series.

I really enjoyed being able to get inside the head of the "monsters", and am intrigued by the path Micah seems to be taking. I read this shortly after Freaks, so everything was still fresh in my head. I feel like this would be an excellent recommendation for fans of Stranger Things, and will need to get a copy for my shelf posthaste!

I rated book one in this series a 3.5, and Travelers sits in the same range.

This is a fun YA series, a group of teenagers find themselves with superpowers and now hide them, whilst protecting their town! This instalment of the Freaks series gave me Buffy vibes (even having a character nicknamed Giles), and I loved it. There was no 'middle book syndrome' with this, as the character development was solid, as well as the big bad of the book.

These are just an entertaining read all around, I recommend and look forward to book three.


**Thank you to Netgalley and Imbrifex books for allowing me to read to this book. All thoughts are my honest opinions.**

Personally, I enjoyed the first book better, even though I had hopes that I would like this sequel more and get many questions answered. But I judt couldn't connect completely with the story

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

A YA story with a mix of fantasy and sci-fi. The second book in the Freaks universe. We continue the journey of the Freaks as they find a new antagonist and this enemy is more dangerous than the last one. The Freaks go against the Travelers. An exciting story with original characters. This is a riveting YA story.

Disclaimer: Thank you to NetGalley and Imbrifex Books for this review copy and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

I thought this sequel to Freaks was really good. We follow the same characters, who are now fighting a carnivorous huge bunny rabbit. They all stick together and some new romances start. If you liked the first book, I think you will like this follow-up. I want to thank the author, the publisher, and Netgalley for giving me an e-copy of this book, in return for an honest review.

I did not realize this was the second book in the series and I did not read the first book. The middle section of the book felt like it dragged a little bit but there was plenty of action at the end. I found the writing to be pretty good and the story was easy for me to catch on.

I am not going to lie though it took me a long time to realized that the cover was a bunny and not a butt...

Now high school sophomores, the self-styled “Freaks” are back in class in quiet Quapaw City, Arkansas. They grapple with the ordinary challenges of everyday teen life: cliques, cars, and crushes. While everything appears normal on the surface, looks have rarely been more deceiving. A secret government task force—fully aware of the unusual powers the Freaks have acquired—is determined to capture them. Even as the mysterious Baltar Sterne shares ancient wisdom and offers hope, a new menace silently emerges in the woods outside of town. Clever, inexorable, and far more lethal than the Freaks’ first superhuman foe, this traveler from another world possesses powers that can only be described as godlike. The Freaks and their town will be tested in horrific ways they are powerless to predict or even imagine.

I liked this book but I didn’t love it. I think that Riley is on to something here with this series with the main concept being this group of kids accidentally releasing entities into the world and gaining super powers. There is great characterisation and I really have an affinity for the majority of the characters in the book, but it’s the monster in this one that I had an issue with. I thought the whole ancient Indian entity was a little strange and incongruous with the rest of the book and it’s style and for me it didn’t resonate and I didn’t get its role as the ‘bad guy’ making the whole build up to the face off a bit meh.

For me, both times in this series, the book felt like it needed better editing as there were parts which dragged and didn’t add anything to the plot. Nevertheless I will be keeping my eye out for the next book because as I said, I am on this journey with the group now and I need to see how it ends.

As a fan of the first book, this book was even more enjoyable to me. The writing felt more polished and refined, I thought the character dialogue was a lot smoother and felt more natural too. Even the pacing of this book felt more even and more well rounded. My one small complaint is there is very occasionally redundancy when using the same word over and over again in close proximity, but that only happened a handful of times and never took me out of the experience. Overall I'd definitely recommend this book to my friends and I'm excited for the next installment. This book also had a lot of moments I found almost fun to read, like the opening where we see the 4 characters take down the 4 armed brute. Very well done!

This was an interesting and enjoyable read. I went in knowing very little about the story, therefore not really having large expectations. The writing style was easy to get into and I was surprised at how quickly I was able to complete. While some of the characters may be familiar, how they handle being in the different situations made for a good ride. Looking forward to reading more by this author.

#NETGALLEY. #TRAVELERS. #BRETTRILEY