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Antius Ascending Series #2
The Offering
Consumed by guilt from a war she started, Cori faces the aftermath of her destruction. The Mercy colony is in shambles as infection spreads and Dylan struggles to find a cure before it’s too late. Cori’s love and loyalties are put to the test when he asks her for the unthinkable. Now faced with impossible decisions, Cori must risk her friends and everything she’s ever cared about in order to put things right. She’ll go to unimaginable lengths to save the innocent, no matter the cost.
ebook
First published March 24, 2014
About the author
E.R. Arroyo
11 books154 followersE.R. Arroyo is the author of YA dystopian series, Antius Ascending, and co-founder/owner of Band of Dystopian Authors and Fans, a Facebook community, blog, and company that champions dystopian, apocalyptic, and post-apocalyptic fiction. E.R. is passionate about books, music, and her family, and she loves to talk shop with other authors and with her readers.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 37 reviews
February 29, 2016
5 Stars
This was a great book! I got teary eyed, I laughed, I was torn, I was on a rollercoaster. Amazing!!
This was a great book! I got teary eyed, I laughed, I was torn, I was on a rollercoaster. Amazing!!
May 4, 2014
Perhaps the best gift an author can give readers is a sequel that supersedes every literary expectation and yet answers all of our burning questions. E.R. Arroyo did not disappoint with her heart racing sequel to Sovereign, The Offering. I absolutely loved Sovereign and I was dying to find out how Cori dealt with life outside of Antius once she was finally free of the tyrannical Nathan. Even more pressing on every anticipatory nerve I possess was my desire to discover if Tyce would reemerge to compete with Dylan for Cori's affection. Hallelujah for the tempting Tyce and the beauty he brings to this story! Of all the amazing characters I admire in this series, Tyce grabbed my heart and I found myself charmed by him, aching for him and ultimately crying over him.
For me, a fierce, complicated and flawed heroine takes the cake every time and Cori is my favorite "kick ass and take names" kind of protagonist. I found the sincerity in which E.R. Arroyo portrays Cori's vulnerability, especially her weakness and affection for Tyce and her selfishness, especially poignant and real. Cori's experiences in The City with Tyce and his people, including the elders, particularly highlighted her growth of character and I found her fascinating and exceptional.
For those of you who feel that YA dystopia and PA books are a thing of the past or that it is missing originality and a freshness it once had, you must pick up this series, it will change your mind and renew your excitement in this genre.
For me, a fierce, complicated and flawed heroine takes the cake every time and Cori is my favorite "kick ass and take names" kind of protagonist. I found the sincerity in which E.R. Arroyo portrays Cori's vulnerability, especially her weakness and affection for Tyce and her selfishness, especially poignant and real. Cori's experiences in The City with Tyce and his people, including the elders, particularly highlighted her growth of character and I found her fascinating and exceptional.
For those of you who feel that YA dystopia and PA books are a thing of the past or that it is missing originality and a freshness it once had, you must pick up this series, it will change your mind and renew your excitement in this genre.
July 2, 2018
3.5 (See my review for both on Book 1)
November 25, 2014
The Offering is the second book in the Sovereign series. It continues Cori Cole's fight against the powers of the militant city of Antius, which was severely crippled by Cori's escape and subsequent attack to rescue the rest of the civilians. In The Offering we are reintroduced with greater depth to another aspect of Arroyo's dystopian world: The City, where Cori spends a majority of the first half of the book.
Overall, I did enjoy the premise of this book. It has a fairly solid plot with the exception of a few oddities and unrealistic motives, but it did keep my attention enough for me to finish it. I will admit, I enjoyed Book one extensively more than its sequel.
The weaknesses in this book tend to be in its voice. Unlike Sovereign, which started off a little rocky, but eased into a wonderfully descriptive pace early on in the book, The Offereing failed to find its niche for me. The story for the most part was narrated with chunks of dialogue scattered here and there. Just when I was certain a beautiful, meaningful pour-your-heart-out-to-me conversation was about to take place, something would happen that caused it to be over, leaving me feeling cheated. I missed the lengthy and deep conversations of Sovereign that allowed me to really fall in love with Dylan and to understand Cori's motives. These elements were lacking, and the narration felt very rushed. I had a hard time visualizing the ever changing scenery, which was not a problem for me as much in the first book.
I never really connected with the City boys, and there were several things I didn't quite understand about their interactions with Cori. Tyce grew on me only slightly, but even with all that time he spent alone with Cori, I don't feel that I ever got to know him. Again, I really wanted some real heart to hearts to happen between him and Cori that would have made me love him, but every time they had the chance to have one, they were interrupted. All in all, Tyce's character and his motives are still a mystery to me.
I know the savages were mentioned in Sovereign but my perception of them differed greatly from how they were portrayed in this book. I thought they were merely savage people living in the wilds off the land. Apparently, they're zombies. I didn't pick up on that very early on. But I tend to be slow at times. :)
There were many parts of the book that I enjoyed, which is why I've given it the rating I have. Some scenes made me laugh out loud. Some scenes I could visualize easily. I have a few favorite quotes in which the author was beautifully poetic. The mid-section chapters where Dylan returns are brilliant! I felt the voice of the Sovereign that I know and love emerge, and in those few, brief chapters, Cori was back! I do wish there had been more chapters like chapter 10. It was my favorite!
Casey Hays
Author of Breeder
Overall, I did enjoy the premise of this book. It has a fairly solid plot with the exception of a few oddities and unrealistic motives, but it did keep my attention enough for me to finish it. I will admit, I enjoyed Book one extensively more than its sequel.
The weaknesses in this book tend to be in its voice. Unlike Sovereign, which started off a little rocky, but eased into a wonderfully descriptive pace early on in the book, The Offereing failed to find its niche for me. The story for the most part was narrated with chunks of dialogue scattered here and there. Just when I was certain a beautiful, meaningful pour-your-heart-out-to-me conversation was about to take place, something would happen that caused it to be over, leaving me feeling cheated. I missed the lengthy and deep conversations of Sovereign that allowed me to really fall in love with Dylan and to understand Cori's motives. These elements were lacking, and the narration felt very rushed. I had a hard time visualizing the ever changing scenery, which was not a problem for me as much in the first book.
I never really connected with the City boys, and there were several things I didn't quite understand about their interactions with Cori. Tyce grew on me only slightly, but even with all that time he spent alone with Cori, I don't feel that I ever got to know him. Again, I really wanted some real heart to hearts to happen between him and Cori that would have made me love him, but every time they had the chance to have one, they were interrupted. All in all, Tyce's character and his motives are still a mystery to me.
I know the savages were mentioned in Sovereign but my perception of them differed greatly from how they were portrayed in this book. I thought they were merely savage people living in the wilds off the land. Apparently, they're zombies. I didn't pick up on that very early on. But I tend to be slow at times. :)
There were many parts of the book that I enjoyed, which is why I've given it the rating I have. Some scenes made me laugh out loud. Some scenes I could visualize easily. I have a few favorite quotes in which the author was beautifully poetic. The mid-section chapters where Dylan returns are brilliant! I felt the voice of the Sovereign that I know and love emerge, and in those few, brief chapters, Cori was back! I do wish there had been more chapters like chapter 10. It was my favorite!
Casey Hays
Author of Breeder
May 23, 2014
I would like to thank the author for providing me with a complimentary copy in exchange for an honest review. Doing so does not sway my judgment in any way.
In Sovereign, I instantly felt a bond with Cori. A wild child who wanted nothing more than to be free of rules and ended up being stuck in exactly the position she didn’t want to be in and even earlier than imaged. Her energy, love of hijinks, and hate of all things confining made her one to look up to. I feared that the next book wouldn’t leave me as excited as that one, but The Offerings took those fears and danced all over them like it was doing the foxtrot.
Questions were answered in this book but at the same time other questions replaced those, but in a way that allows the reader to come up with their own conclusion and be satisfied in that. Not many authors can do that without making their reader feel slighted. The storytelling is exceptional and the author doesn’t over explain nor under explain. The descriptions of the scenery allow the reader to move through this book like they are right there in the midst of the action.
I’m just completely floored by this book and its predecessor. Not many books have had just a lasting impact on me and kept me thinking about it way after the fact. Honestly, there are times I’ve had to reread my review of a book because I forgot I had read it and what it was about. This is not one of those books. This is one that I’ll be thinking about for years to come and rereading for the pleasure of it.
I recommend this book to anyone who likes dystopian fiction. I don’t care how young or old you are, because you will like, no love, it!
In Sovereign, I instantly felt a bond with Cori. A wild child who wanted nothing more than to be free of rules and ended up being stuck in exactly the position she didn’t want to be in and even earlier than imaged. Her energy, love of hijinks, and hate of all things confining made her one to look up to. I feared that the next book wouldn’t leave me as excited as that one, but The Offerings took those fears and danced all over them like it was doing the foxtrot.
Questions were answered in this book but at the same time other questions replaced those, but in a way that allows the reader to come up with their own conclusion and be satisfied in that. Not many authors can do that without making their reader feel slighted. The storytelling is exceptional and the author doesn’t over explain nor under explain. The descriptions of the scenery allow the reader to move through this book like they are right there in the midst of the action.
I’m just completely floored by this book and its predecessor. Not many books have had just a lasting impact on me and kept me thinking about it way after the fact. Honestly, there are times I’ve had to reread my review of a book because I forgot I had read it and what it was about. This is not one of those books. This is one that I’ll be thinking about for years to come and rereading for the pleasure of it.
I recommend this book to anyone who likes dystopian fiction. I don’t care how young or old you are, because you will like, no love, it!
May 25, 2014
I really thought I was prepared for this book. After reading the first book I didn’t think The offering would tear my heart into pieces. I knew it was gonna get intense but I didn’t think it was gonna be more intense and heart breaking. Lets just say there is a scene that had me in tears. well there was many scenes that had me in tears but this one certain one really turned me into an emotional wreak.
And let me talk about character development! In the first book I didn’t feel that much connection to some of the characters but in The offering you really connect to them and really get to know them as a character. I grew so much attachment to the characters I didn’t want anything bad to happen to them and well lets just say bad things happen to them that torn my heart. There was this hole Love triangle, and I am not gonna lie it does get annoying a couple of times cause I am sitting there rooting for the other guy and it can get very sexual frustrating. At times the book did seem focused on the love triangle than the main plot of the story BUT I really didn’t mind it too much cause it just worked with the story.
I slowly fell in love with this series. I really enjoyed the first book but THIS one really takes the win. I was hooked. It’s one of those stories that have a bittersweet ending that can get super depressing but in a way it was really sweet. It’s not a fun, happy read. It is depressing, like major depressing. It has a lot of suspense, there is never a dull moment reading. Never once did I skip along the pages, I read every word even when my eyes where in tears.
The author knows how to get someone hooked to the storyline and the characters. I said this in my review for the first book, It does have similarity’s to other dystopian books but really it so unique and stands on it own. I do feel like The Offering is better than the first book even with it sad ending.
The story is a romance story but it also has action and mystery. The book series is packed with suspense at every corner. Plot turns left and right that will have your mind blown. Some plot twists I still haven’t gotten over.
I am so happy to have taken part in this blog tour and got to read this series. I really loved it and highly recommend this books to other readers in the world. It is true an amazing story. I have shed a few tears reading along the way, and there was times I did think I was just gonna lose my mind.
Overall: Don’t get attached to fiction characters, they will break your heart into pieces. I definitely see myself reading more from this author and hope her stories are as amazing as this was and I really hope more readers will read this series cause trust me it gets better and better. The offering is a wild heart breaking story that I do not regret reading.
And let me talk about character development! In the first book I didn’t feel that much connection to some of the characters but in The offering you really connect to them and really get to know them as a character. I grew so much attachment to the characters I didn’t want anything bad to happen to them and well lets just say bad things happen to them that torn my heart. There was this hole Love triangle, and I am not gonna lie it does get annoying a couple of times cause I am sitting there rooting for the other guy and it can get very sexual frustrating. At times the book did seem focused on the love triangle than the main plot of the story BUT I really didn’t mind it too much cause it just worked with the story.
I slowly fell in love with this series. I really enjoyed the first book but THIS one really takes the win. I was hooked. It’s one of those stories that have a bittersweet ending that can get super depressing but in a way it was really sweet. It’s not a fun, happy read. It is depressing, like major depressing. It has a lot of suspense, there is never a dull moment reading. Never once did I skip along the pages, I read every word even when my eyes where in tears.
The author knows how to get someone hooked to the storyline and the characters. I said this in my review for the first book, It does have similarity’s to other dystopian books but really it so unique and stands on it own. I do feel like The Offering is better than the first book even with it sad ending.
The story is a romance story but it also has action and mystery. The book series is packed with suspense at every corner. Plot turns left and right that will have your mind blown. Some plot twists I still haven’t gotten over.
I am so happy to have taken part in this blog tour and got to read this series. I really loved it and highly recommend this books to other readers in the world. It is true an amazing story. I have shed a few tears reading along the way, and there was times I did think I was just gonna lose my mind.
Overall: Don’t get attached to fiction characters, they will break your heart into pieces. I definitely see myself reading more from this author and hope her stories are as amazing as this was and I really hope more readers will read this series cause trust me it gets better and better. The offering is a wild heart breaking story that I do not regret reading.
March 25, 2014
Cori is free. She is free of Antius, where she had been raised and keep as a medical oddity and resource. She is free of all the experimentation and oppression. She is free to get to know Dylan. She is free to finally starting sorting out just who she is. If only everything else would stop getting in the way.
The Antius citizens they managed to liberate are suffering from infection and a particular sort of withdrawal, keeping Mercy colony from dispersing before Antius can retaliate. The proposed solution is not something Cori is ready, or willing, to face. So she flees to The City and its efficiently feral inhabitants, seeking her friend Tyce and comfort away from expectation.
Finding out she fits right in, and that The City boys are far from the overall hardened killers everyone assumed might not have been what she expected, but she welcomes it. It is a different sort of freedom in The City, and one she finds herself growing quite comfortable with as she grows a bit more comfortable in her own skin.
But stories rarely end so easily. The threat of Antius and its armies looms large and when Tyce returns to The City he brings with him news of abduction and death. Learning more about herself,her parents and where she came from, and pulling together her City boys and colony allies, Cori will once more shoulder a world’s worth of responsibility and step into the line of fire.
The Offering is the second book in the Sovereign series, and is a book that manages to walk that difficult balance of bleak and wonder with an enviable ease. Settled in the middle of a post-apocalyptic world where those that did not manage to hide were decimated or mutated during the disastrous event, Arroyo finds ways to work in the little things that remind us of what it is to be human, why the struggle is worth it- the smiles and small touches at the end. Little bits of wonder take a bit of the grit away when it is most needed- so while it is never a light book, it is never overwhelmingly oppressive. But most of all the characters will pull you in and keep you reading. Cori goes well beyond being a female protagonist I am proud to cheer for- she is relatable. Every sulk, snarl and snap along with every smile, smirk and sneer is wonderful and they combine into a perfectly imperfect young woman.
I have a personal soft spot for the City Boys. Give The Offering a read and they will rope you in as well.
The Antius citizens they managed to liberate are suffering from infection and a particular sort of withdrawal, keeping Mercy colony from dispersing before Antius can retaliate. The proposed solution is not something Cori is ready, or willing, to face. So she flees to The City and its efficiently feral inhabitants, seeking her friend Tyce and comfort away from expectation.
Finding out she fits right in, and that The City boys are far from the overall hardened killers everyone assumed might not have been what she expected, but she welcomes it. It is a different sort of freedom in The City, and one she finds herself growing quite comfortable with as she grows a bit more comfortable in her own skin.
But stories rarely end so easily. The threat of Antius and its armies looms large and when Tyce returns to The City he brings with him news of abduction and death. Learning more about herself,her parents and where she came from, and pulling together her City boys and colony allies, Cori will once more shoulder a world’s worth of responsibility and step into the line of fire.
The Offering is the second book in the Sovereign series, and is a book that manages to walk that difficult balance of bleak and wonder with an enviable ease. Settled in the middle of a post-apocalyptic world where those that did not manage to hide were decimated or mutated during the disastrous event, Arroyo finds ways to work in the little things that remind us of what it is to be human, why the struggle is worth it- the smiles and small touches at the end. Little bits of wonder take a bit of the grit away when it is most needed- so while it is never a light book, it is never overwhelmingly oppressive. But most of all the characters will pull you in and keep you reading. Cori goes well beyond being a female protagonist I am proud to cheer for- she is relatable. Every sulk, snarl and snap along with every smile, smirk and sneer is wonderful and they combine into a perfectly imperfect young woman.
I have a personal soft spot for the City Boys. Give The Offering a read and they will rope you in as well.
April 24, 2014
While I certainly enjoyed Sovereign quite a bit, The Offering simply blew me away. First, I need to explain that for me to have a book be a complete five-star, it must do three things: (The obvious) be a great book,make me feel some strong emotions, and be hard to get my mind off of. I finished The Offering on Sunday, and teared up in the car about it today. So yeah, it applies. While reading, I laughed, I definitely cried, and I actually outright gasped while reading, and I truly cannot remember the last time I have had a book make me do that. Usually, the twists and turns are kind of predictable for me, mainly because I read a lot of the same genre. But no, there were surprises in this one that I absolutely did not see coming, and I loved it! I often miss that element of surprise, but there was no lack of that for me in The Offering.
The characters became even more developed, and I couldn't help falling in love with The City as a whole, but especially Tyce and Eli. We learn a lot more about Cori and the other characters, as well as the world they live in. A lot of things I'd wondered about were answered in this book, and if they weren't, there was generally a good reason why they weren't. We learn all this while immersed in the action and plot, and the whole book just flows beautifully. No boring parts, no awkward chapters, just great movement with the right amount of action and twists, intertwined with lighthearted moments and moments of humanity.
The whole book was good, but the second half was pretty much epic for me. The plot keeps moving, twisting, turning. I hated for the book to end, because I knew it was the end. And the ending... the all important ending. It's funny, I have never had a favorite book in which I didn't actually like the ending before. But truthfully, I had hoped it would go a different way. But the thing is, it ended so poignantly, so gracefully, so appropriately, and provided me with the necessary closure while maintaining realism.
I quite obviously recommend this whole series, it is definitely among my all-time favorites.
Note: I received a copy in exchange for an honest review; this in no way influences my opinion or thoughts.
The characters became even more developed, and I couldn't help falling in love with The City as a whole, but especially Tyce and Eli. We learn a lot more about Cori and the other characters, as well as the world they live in. A lot of things I'd wondered about were answered in this book, and if they weren't, there was generally a good reason why they weren't. We learn all this while immersed in the action and plot, and the whole book just flows beautifully. No boring parts, no awkward chapters, just great movement with the right amount of action and twists, intertwined with lighthearted moments and moments of humanity.
The whole book was good, but the second half was pretty much epic for me. The plot keeps moving, twisting, turning. I hated for the book to end, because I knew it was the end. And the ending... the all important ending. It's funny, I have never had a favorite book in which I didn't actually like the ending before. But truthfully, I had hoped it would go a different way. But the thing is, it ended so poignantly, so gracefully, so appropriately, and provided me with the necessary closure while maintaining realism.
I quite obviously recommend this whole series, it is definitely among my all-time favorites.
Note: I received a copy in exchange for an honest review; this in no way influences my opinion or thoughts.
August 20, 2015
Cori’s life took a turn after escaping Antius and rescuing some of those left behind. Disease spreads through the survivors and they take their anger out on Cori for those dead and sick. Her boyfriend asks her for the impossible and she runs to The City (the city in ruins that is near the colony, Mercy) to escape. But Antius isn’t ready to stop causing problems for Cori.
Oh my. I don’t even know where to begin with this book. It was so intense! I could not put this book down for anything and it was excellent. The only downfall is the love triangle that is presented in this book because I totally wanted her to end up with the other guy.
My only problem with this book was what I just mentioned. I also didn’t like how Dylan changed so much. The more he interacted with Cori, the more I wanted to punch him. I just felt like she loved him more than he loved her. (Spoilers) I didn’t like that after their big fight and when they see each other again, that she immediately decides she loves him (when she really hadn’t been moping over leaving him). (End Spoilers) That and I just loved Tyce. When he was introduced in the first book, I thought him an interesting character, but I didn’t really get to see him enough to really have an opinion. I definitely didn’t understand Cori’s reaction to him kissing her in the first book, but I loved the possibilities it created for this book.
After finishing this book (and staying up way too late to do so), I was an emotional wreck. The book was so intense and there were so many ups and downs. Towards the end, the book handed out one blow after the other. This made it crazy good. E.R. Arroyo did an amazing job packing so much emotion and action, which makes for a great writer.
I would highly recommend this book to anyone who likes a good dystopian book. It has easily become one of my favorites of that genre.
Sure, I had some issues with who she ended up with and a few other things, but that is more due to personal preference. The writer did an excellent job crafting a believable and satisfying plot. Yes, the ending may be slightly cheesy with everything being happy again, but it was just what the book needed after the roller-coaster ride it took me on.
Oh my. I don’t even know where to begin with this book. It was so intense! I could not put this book down for anything and it was excellent. The only downfall is the love triangle that is presented in this book because I totally wanted her to end up with the other guy.
My only problem with this book was what I just mentioned. I also didn’t like how Dylan changed so much. The more he interacted with Cori, the more I wanted to punch him. I just felt like she loved him more than he loved her. (Spoilers) I didn’t like that after their big fight and when they see each other again, that she immediately decides she loves him (when she really hadn’t been moping over leaving him). (End Spoilers) That and I just loved Tyce. When he was introduced in the first book, I thought him an interesting character, but I didn’t really get to see him enough to really have an opinion. I definitely didn’t understand Cori’s reaction to him kissing her in the first book, but I loved the possibilities it created for this book.
After finishing this book (and staying up way too late to do so), I was an emotional wreck. The book was so intense and there were so many ups and downs. Towards the end, the book handed out one blow after the other. This made it crazy good. E.R. Arroyo did an amazing job packing so much emotion and action, which makes for a great writer.
I would highly recommend this book to anyone who likes a good dystopian book. It has easily become one of my favorites of that genre.
Sure, I had some issues with who she ended up with and a few other things, but that is more due to personal preference. The writer did an excellent job crafting a believable and satisfying plot. Yes, the ending may be slightly cheesy with everything being happy again, but it was just what the book needed after the roller-coaster ride it took me on.
October 25, 2014
after escaping the colony, Cori survived the wilderness with Dylan’s help and knowledge. she was pursued by the colony’s armies, which in returned attracted the Savages’ attention. the Saveges easily destroyed the small army and forcefully brought Cori and Dylan back to their hideout. with an army sent to retrieve the duo, the Savages were certain that there must be something valuable about the duo. Cori managed to gain the trust of their leader, Tyce, and they continued their journey, reaching a colony called Mercy, where they met with the most unexpected surprise.
I received the free e-book from the author in exchange for a review. I was unable to pry myself from the book since its very first page. while I initially thought Cori could finally settled down with a far more normal life with Dylan, I was of course, dead wrong. the adventure definitely doesn’t stop there. joining the Savages was another whole new storyline to follow, which I was even more absorbed compared to the prison life within the colony. half way through the book however, the story started involving science and medical, which I was not a huge fan of. again, I pulled myself through just to get to the juicy part, knowing all the painful details has got to pay off in the end, just like the previous installment did.
my link: here
I received the free e-book from the author in exchange for a review. I was unable to pry myself from the book since its very first page. while I initially thought Cori could finally settled down with a far more normal life with Dylan, I was of course, dead wrong. the adventure definitely doesn’t stop there. joining the Savages was another whole new storyline to follow, which I was even more absorbed compared to the prison life within the colony. half way through the book however, the story started involving science and medical, which I was not a huge fan of. again, I pulled myself through just to get to the juicy part, knowing all the painful details has got to pay off in the end, just like the previous installment did.
my link: here
October 14, 2014
I loved how this book ended. For me it was very satisfying even though everyone did not live happily ever after. I find that with dystopian books I can't expect everything to be perfect in the end because that's not the kind of story I'm reading.
Compared to Sovereign, I had a harder time emotionally connecting to Cori. She was really distant, and I sometimes didn't understand why she did what she did. She was confusing. But I think she was true to character for having just lost someone to war. I think Cori's distance or wishy-washy actions were realistic for someone who is struggling and going through a mourning period. She was believable.
Even the "betrayal" at the end fit so perfectly to my reader's eye. I think it really added to the tension that was building. I knew it the betrayal might not be real, but the possibility that it could be was just as good. Loved what E.R. did with this story.
As for the ending, I knew there was going to be a big sacrifice. In my head there just wasn't any other way to finish the story. Knowing that, I was prepared for an Allegiant ending. And I loved it.
I loved the epilogue. Getting one of the male narratives was a fantastic and smart way to end the story. I'm excited to move on to the short story Transgression.
Just so everyone knows, I'm team Tyce. More mystery to the crazy that is already going on.
Compared to Sovereign, I had a harder time emotionally connecting to Cori. She was really distant, and I sometimes didn't understand why she did what she did. She was confusing. But I think she was true to character for having just lost someone to war. I think Cori's distance or wishy-washy actions were realistic for someone who is struggling and going through a mourning period. She was believable.
Even the "betrayal" at the end fit so perfectly to my reader's eye. I think it really added to the tension that was building. I knew it the betrayal might not be real, but the possibility that it could be was just as good. Loved what E.R. did with this story.
As for the ending, I knew there was going to be a big sacrifice. In my head there just wasn't any other way to finish the story. Knowing that, I was prepared for an Allegiant ending. And I loved it.
I loved the epilogue. Getting one of the male narratives was a fantastic and smart way to end the story. I'm excited to move on to the short story Transgression.
Just so everyone knows, I'm team Tyce. More mystery to the crazy that is already going on.
January 1, 2015
I was gifted a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
This is a beautifully written book, which stands strong beside its predecessor, which we all know can be very hard to achieve. Cori is still as strong and confident going into book 2, but i do find her being a little naive when it comes to Dylan. He is stroppy and slightly controlling and has some wicked mood swings. I felt sometimes that he was too aggressive with her when he was in fact trying to be caring.
The flow of this book is good and it keeps you on your toes, and unable to put it down. Jumping from The Pitt, to Mercy and then to Antius , there is always something happening.
Now this was a negative for me, and some will find it comparable to the Allegiant ending.
SPOILERS*** So Tyce dies. Tyce dies and Dylan and Cori raise Emma like she is their own. Dylan thinks that Tyce wanted him to raise his child. This bothered me something wicked as Tyce and Dylan never, ever got on AT ALL. To think in that spilt second before he gave his life, he would give care of his child to a man he had never shared a kind word with. Nope.
All in all, up until the ending of the book i was immersed, impressed and interested. If the ending had been a little more ruffled, rather than perfect this would have been 5 stars from me.
This is a beautifully written book, which stands strong beside its predecessor, which we all know can be very hard to achieve. Cori is still as strong and confident going into book 2, but i do find her being a little naive when it comes to Dylan. He is stroppy and slightly controlling and has some wicked mood swings. I felt sometimes that he was too aggressive with her when he was in fact trying to be caring.
The flow of this book is good and it keeps you on your toes, and unable to put it down. Jumping from The Pitt, to Mercy and then to Antius , there is always something happening.
Now this was a negative for me, and some will find it comparable to the Allegiant ending.
SPOILERS*** So Tyce dies. Tyce dies and Dylan and Cori raise Emma like she is their own. Dylan thinks that Tyce wanted him to raise his child. This bothered me something wicked as Tyce and Dylan never, ever got on AT ALL. To think in that spilt second before he gave his life, he would give care of his child to a man he had never shared a kind word with. Nope.
All in all, up until the ending of the book i was immersed, impressed and interested. If the ending had been a little more ruffled, rather than perfect this would have been 5 stars from me.
May 5, 2014
I really thought The Offering was even better than Sovereign! I have a love/hate relationship with love triangles such as the one in this novel. There's a similar situation in The Razorland Trilogy too, and I think there is only one resolution to solve it, and it breaks my heart!
So even though I gave this five stars, it still has me asking questions that I felt were never resolved. For example, Cornelius! Where did he stand and what kind of man was he? What was his involvement in the rescue/abduction of little Cori? Also, I am curious as to how the "savages/elders" conceived their children. Why are there only male elders left? Why are there only animals in the city? And finally, why did they do what they did to Antius? Was it just an attempt to draw Cori over to Fort Burke? What has their role been in this whole dynamic?
I cried, laughed, and wanted to punch a hole in the wall, so this certainly makes it on my "Awesome" book list. I love that Cori is tough but still fragile in some ways and that she can be selfish to a fault. She's more real than a lot of heroines in YA, in my opinion.
So even though I gave this five stars, it still has me asking questions that I felt were never resolved. For example, Cornelius! Where did he stand and what kind of man was he? What was his involvement in the rescue/abduction of little Cori? Also, I am curious as to how the "savages/elders" conceived their children. Why are there only male elders left? Why are there only animals in the city? And finally, why did they do what they did to Antius? Was it just an attempt to draw Cori over to Fort Burke? What has their role been in this whole dynamic?
I cried, laughed, and wanted to punch a hole in the wall, so this certainly makes it on my "Awesome" book list. I love that Cori is tough but still fragile in some ways and that she can be selfish to a fault. She's more real than a lot of heroines in YA, in my opinion.
September 26, 2014
I received a copy for an honest review
Cori has paid a high price for the rescue mission and now her heart is broken and she and Dylan are fighting.
Cori goes back to the city looking for Tyce, but he comes back wounded without his little girl. Cori makes a friend in Eli who is such a sweet boy. She likes living in the City with the boys and especially the meat hunting and they way they take care of each other.
After a month Dylan comes looking for her and asks her the impossible.
Cori is torn between her feelings for Dylan and Tyce. They are not free yet and have to face the ultimate fight to become free. The price is high and lives are at stakes.
What I liked:
The City Boys
The world building
The book pace and action.
I wasn't too crazy about the whole love triangle, I don’t like them and you have do an excellent job in writing to pull it off. Tyce reminded me of Jacob from Twilight. Why he would want a girl that loves someone else is a mystery to me. Who wants to be second choice?
Sometimes the scenes were dragged out with fighting and getting from place A to B.
I was happy with the ending and I’m looking forward to reading the short stories.
Cori has paid a high price for the rescue mission and now her heart is broken and she and Dylan are fighting.
Cori goes back to the city looking for Tyce, but he comes back wounded without his little girl. Cori makes a friend in Eli who is such a sweet boy. She likes living in the City with the boys and especially the meat hunting and they way they take care of each other.
After a month Dylan comes looking for her and asks her the impossible.
Cori is torn between her feelings for Dylan and Tyce. They are not free yet and have to face the ultimate fight to become free. The price is high and lives are at stakes.
What I liked:
The City Boys
The world building
The book pace and action.
I wasn't too crazy about the whole love triangle, I don’t like them and you have do an excellent job in writing to pull it off. Tyce reminded me of Jacob from Twilight. Why he would want a girl that loves someone else is a mystery to me. Who wants to be second choice?
Sometimes the scenes were dragged out with fighting and getting from place A to B.
I was happy with the ending and I’m looking forward to reading the short stories.
August 23, 2014
There are books that we read that leave us changed. They become a part of us and the characters are family and we love and cherish them and hurt and feel with and for them. This is one of those books. This series is one of those series. One where you have to buy it because you always want to have it close and on your shelf!
After everything Cori and all the characters went through in The Sovereign, people were mourning and trying to figure out why the sick weren't getting better. The City had sent a message that they were attacked. People were taken. Dylan and Cori have a, we'll say, falling out, and let the adventure begin. I don't want to say more, because I don't want to possibly tip off to anything and ruin the masterfully laid out story. Such an intense non stop action ride that left me emotional to say the least. E.R. Arroyo really did an amazing job bringing this story and these characters to life! I could picture and feel everything! I was there in this horrible yet wonderful place. I would absolutely recommend this series to anyone and everyone. Great YA adult read!
After everything Cori and all the characters went through in The Sovereign, people were mourning and trying to figure out why the sick weren't getting better. The City had sent a message that they were attacked. People were taken. Dylan and Cori have a, we'll say, falling out, and let the adventure begin. I don't want to say more, because I don't want to possibly tip off to anything and ruin the masterfully laid out story. Such an intense non stop action ride that left me emotional to say the least. E.R. Arroyo really did an amazing job bringing this story and these characters to life! I could picture and feel everything! I was there in this horrible yet wonderful place. I would absolutely recommend this series to anyone and everyone. Great YA adult read!
September 16, 2014
What can I say about this Awesome book!!
To say I loved reading it is an Understatement!!
Author E.R. Arroyo is an AMAZING writer!! She keeps you glued to the pages awaiting the next twist or turn in this series. I can honestly say I she has gained a True Fan.
Sovereign was amazing and I couldn't imagine The Offering topping it but it did. This book will keep you enthralled and your emotions on high alert!!
The cast of characters in this book were great I especially loved how Eli and Cori became so close.. I fell in love with the City in this book.. The Comradery, love, and fierce loyalty the boys from this city have is amazing. Cori fit in so well with them. I love seeing her grow while in the City. Tyce, I simply loved his cockiness and grit.
I had so many No it can't possibly be and OMG moments. I love it all.. I was truly saddened with the end.. I don't want to say anymore because I don't want to give any spoilers on the ending.. but never saw this coming..
I Can't wait to read more From E.R. Arroyo!!
To say I loved reading it is an Understatement!!
Author E.R. Arroyo is an AMAZING writer!! She keeps you glued to the pages awaiting the next twist or turn in this series. I can honestly say I she has gained a True Fan.
Sovereign was amazing and I couldn't imagine The Offering topping it but it did. This book will keep you enthralled and your emotions on high alert!!
The cast of characters in this book were great I especially loved how Eli and Cori became so close.. I fell in love with the City in this book.. The Comradery, love, and fierce loyalty the boys from this city have is amazing. Cori fit in so well with them. I love seeing her grow while in the City. Tyce, I simply loved his cockiness and grit.
I had so many No it can't possibly be and OMG moments. I love it all.. I was truly saddened with the end.. I don't want to say anymore because I don't want to give any spoilers on the ending.. but never saw this coming..
I Can't wait to read more From E.R. Arroyo!!
December 31, 2015
I really enjoyed book 1, Sovereign, and was not disappointed in book 2.
In this book Cori has a lot to deal with. She has the ongoing fallout from the attack she instigated on her former colony. She also discovers exactly what is so special about her. But finding that out is just the tip of the iceberg. When she finds out the extent of the betrayal, she quickly realises her life has been one long lie.
She has a long road ahead of her as she tries to regain control of her life. Unfortunately that doesn't come easily, and she needs to go through a lot more heartache before she can begin to live again.
I love the dystopian genre, and I keep waiting for something a bit different, and this book provided that. The author managed to surprise me on more than one occasion with the way the storyline was taken. In a book that is a good thing!
I was almost sorry to reach the end of the book as I had grown to love the characters. I look forward to reading more from this author.
In this book Cori has a lot to deal with. She has the ongoing fallout from the attack she instigated on her former colony. She also discovers exactly what is so special about her. But finding that out is just the tip of the iceberg. When she finds out the extent of the betrayal, she quickly realises her life has been one long lie.
She has a long road ahead of her as she tries to regain control of her life. Unfortunately that doesn't come easily, and she needs to go through a lot more heartache before she can begin to live again.
I love the dystopian genre, and I keep waiting for something a bit different, and this book provided that. The author managed to surprise me on more than one occasion with the way the storyline was taken. In a book that is a good thing!
I was almost sorry to reach the end of the book as I had grown to love the characters. I look forward to reading more from this author.
July 6, 2014
It doesn't happen often that the second book is better than the first, but that's what I think about The Offering. This book has more depth and scope than the first part of the story. The cast of characters expanded, and the main characters are well developed. I liked Cori a lot better in this book. She makes mistakes and second guesses her choices some of the time, which makes her a more realistic and likable character. I thought all of the characters based in the City were considerably more interesting than the ones in the other colonies. The settings in Mercy and the City added a lot of detail and back story for the ruined world. There weren't any major plot twists, but there were a few surprises. While the ending was not what I expected, it was a satisfying conclusion to the story. I really enjoyed reading this book.
May 30, 2014
I was given a copy of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review.
In a lot of ways, I liked this one more than the first. I already knew a lot of the characters, so it was easier to dive into the story without having to have them explained to me.
Cori is the type of female lead I like to see in books, especially YA. She is less focused on a love interest, although that is in here, and more her goals. She has a healthy and realistic balance.
I definitely enjoyed the characters from The City the most. I would love to read more about them.
This is one of my favorite YA dystopians I've read. Highly recommend it to fans of the genre.
4/5 platypires
http://www.platypire.com/j-hooligan/t...
In a lot of ways, I liked this one more than the first. I already knew a lot of the characters, so it was easier to dive into the story without having to have them explained to me.
Cori is the type of female lead I like to see in books, especially YA. She is less focused on a love interest, although that is in here, and more her goals. She has a healthy and realistic balance.
I definitely enjoyed the characters from The City the most. I would love to read more about them.
This is one of my favorite YA dystopians I've read. Highly recommend it to fans of the genre.
4/5 platypires
http://www.platypire.com/j-hooligan/t...
December 9, 2014
First thing first is that this book is better than it's counter part. I'm so mad a Cori for not being with Tryce. That just made me so mad. I love love him. Just something about him. Thought he was better suited for Cori than Dylan. I mad at what tryce did at the end, even though i understand i thought he lost enough through the both book it should of been some one else. There's more action in this one and i love Cori's time with the City boys. and the romance drama. love it.
Would i recommended this series/ book. Yes, go buy it now :)
Would i re-read this series/book. Most definitely.
Good-day fellow readers :)
Would i recommended this series/ book. Yes, go buy it now :)
Would i re-read this series/book. Most definitely.
Good-day fellow readers :)
June 5, 2014
This book is the second book in the series and I have to say that I enjoyed it better than the first. I loved the first so that is saying something. It has been read a YA so this book was the perfect book to jump back into the genre.
Cori is a strong female lead with responsibility that would be tough for anyone. She is a great character that all readers will love. This book does have a love triangle which I feel is often over used but seems to make this story work out great. I liked the idea of the story best, it has everything a good book should have and will hook you in on page one.
Cori is a strong female lead with responsibility that would be tough for anyone. She is a great character that all readers will love. This book does have a love triangle which I feel is often over used but seems to make this story work out great. I liked the idea of the story best, it has everything a good book should have and will hook you in on page one.
October 30, 2014
A lot of times with a series, the second book isn't as good as book 1. The Offering is not like that!
The offering picks up after book 1 with Cori and Dylan having escaped Antius and Nathan. But Cori isn't done. She vows to bring Nathan and Antius down and rescue all the innocent people still under Nathan's thumb.
This book is action packed and has quite the twist! A few times my breath was stopped and my jaw was hanging open!
Such a great second book. I really enjoyed this book! Can't wait for book 3!
The offering picks up after book 1 with Cori and Dylan having escaped Antius and Nathan. But Cori isn't done. She vows to bring Nathan and Antius down and rescue all the innocent people still under Nathan's thumb.
This book is action packed and has quite the twist! A few times my breath was stopped and my jaw was hanging open!
Such a great second book. I really enjoyed this book! Can't wait for book 3!
March 19, 2017
This is the second book in the Sovereign series. The book picks up right where the first book left off with Cori and Dylan dealing with the aftermath of the battle with Antium. Overall, I liked the book. Interesting information about Cori's past is revealed. I liked learning more about the people living in The City. I thought the ending worked for this story and I really liked the epilogue and the POV it was written from. I think if you liked the first book, then you will like the second book. I was given a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
May 9, 2014
Truly an emotional rollercoaster! I could not put this book down no matter quantity of sleep it meant I would miss out on. It is difficult to find the words to review this one because I don't want to throw in spoilers. I will say that it has been years since a book has owned my emotions to the point of yelling at the pages.... or the Kindle in this case. Well done, E.R. Arroyo, and thank you for sharing your talent with the world!
August 27, 2015
This book was awesome. E.R. really knows how to include you in her characters' lives. I felt all the pain Cori felt and her happiness too. However, I understand why the ending had to happen, but I would've had it happen the other way around (no spoilers, but if you read it you'll know what I mean). Unrelated, my favorite character was Tyce. He really seems to get Cori and is great with a knife. What a man. ;)
December 3, 2014
Now I Need the Next One
This book was awesome. E.R. really knows how to include you in her characters' lives. I felt all the pain Cori felt and her happiness too. However, I understand why the ending had to happen, but I would've had it happen the other way around (no spoilers, but if you read it you'll know what I mean). Unrelated, my favorite character was Tyce. He really seems to get Cori and is great with a knife. What a man. ;)
This book was awesome. E.R. really knows how to include you in her characters' lives. I felt all the pain Cori felt and her happiness too. However, I understand why the ending had to happen, but I would've had it happen the other way around (no spoilers, but if you read it you'll know what I mean). Unrelated, my favorite character was Tyce. He really seems to get Cori and is great with a knife. What a man. ;)
April 11, 2015
*Spoilers* The Offering is a great sequel to book one, Sovereign. It tied up many loose ends, while bringing more excitement and adventures for each character. A few parts left me wanting to shake Cori for being so naïve! But I am sure that is true of a lot of teenagers. Especially with all she goes through. The ending bummed me out. I enjoy love triangles and was sad to see it end so finally, but that is just me and it did not take away any enjoyment for the book overall.
September 17, 2014
Awesome book! I loved reading this and the first book. What a great series!
The characters are great and the plot is fast paced. There is no down time in these books. And I love the world Arroyo has created. The author did a fabulous job with character development and descriptions of scenes and the world they live in - I really felt like I was there with the characters. Great story!
The characters are great and the plot is fast paced. There is no down time in these books. And I love the world Arroyo has created. The author did a fabulous job with character development and descriptions of scenes and the world they live in - I really felt like I was there with the characters. Great story!
October 30, 2014
I think I love this one even more than the 1st in the series!
This is still very much a YA Dystopian series which is great even the cute little love triangle. I love how the characters were more developed as we learn more about them all even Cori's father!
I loved reading about "The City" and how different they were.
Still highly recommend for all ages who love this genre.
This is still very much a YA Dystopian series which is great even the cute little love triangle. I love how the characters were more developed as we learn more about them all even Cori's father!
I loved reading about "The City" and how different they were.
Still highly recommend for all ages who love this genre.
January 11, 2016
Sovereign: The Offering BK 2
I loved the book. Although I feel like this was an ending and that the 'series' is now over, which is disappointing. I had expected more stories and hopefully we may get a spin off. The characters are intriguing and the depth of them leaves you wanting more, I will miss them.
I loved the book. Although I feel like this was an ending and that the 'series' is now over, which is disappointing. I had expected more stories and hopefully we may get a spin off. The characters are intriguing and the depth of them leaves you wanting more, I will miss them.
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