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Talker 25 #2
Invisible Monsters
Finally free after spending three months locked in a secret government facility where she was forced to torture and assassinate dragons for the popular television series Kissing Dragons, all Melissa Callahan wants is a quiet recovery. Hiding in an Alaskan cave with fellow escapee Allie (known as Talker 21), Melissa does her best to stay out of the dragon politics. However, when a group of rebels called the Diocletians discovers their hideout and captures Allie, Melissa soon realizes she must finally choose who she’s fighting for—the humans or the dragons. Joshua McCune once again keeps readers on the edge of their seats in this gritty and masterful reimagining of popular dragon fantasy set in a militant future, reminiscent of Paolo Bacigalupi's Ship Breaker and Ann Aguirre’s Outpost.
400 pages, Hardcover
First published April 21, 2015
714 people want to read
About the author
Joshua McCune
9 books46 followersDreaming of the stars. Searching for the wild air. Writing about the tangling nature of the sometimes symbiotic, sometimes internecine interplay of light and dark.
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Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews
June 7, 2015
5 out of 5 Stars
Invisible Monsters by Joshua McCune
Talker 25, #2
Publisher: Greenwillow Books
(An imprint of HarperCollins Publishers)
Publication Date: June 2, 2015
Rating: 5 stars
Source: Advanced Reviewer Copy provided by the author
I would like to thank the author for providing me with an ARC of Invisible Monsters for an honest review.
I had been searching for a cool dystopian book for awhile, and Joshua has a way of filling all my needs in this series. I get the struggle of the dark battle, the hard choices that have to be made, and kick butt dragons. This book is like no other. I love all the dynamics in it, and Joshua makes all of them flow seamlessly. He also manages to surprise you, because I everything you think you know will be turned on its axis.
Melissa is trying to come to terms with everything that has happened and all the decisions she has had to make. She always wonders who she can trust, and if she has made the right choices. With so many secrets still being kept from her she knows she has made the best decisions she could, at least that is what she tries to tell herself.
James is still not with Melissa and she wonders what happened to him, and will her friend ever be the same again? Will there feelings for each other resurface or has to much happened?
Colin is developing strong feelings for Melissa but he has secrets of his own. Melissa doesn't know if she can trust him. Melissa also has a secret she is keeping from him. She really likes Colin and can see in his eyes that he cares for her, but is that enough? Can they trust each other or are their secrets going to breaking them apart before anything starts?
The dragons, Grackel, Baby, and Praxus all had so much personality. These three were my favorite characters in this book. Joshua gave them so much personality and life in Invisible Monsters. I laughed at the banter and liked the dialog between them and Melissa more then her with most humans. It really made you jealous that you can't have a dragon.
I loved this book so much, I could not put it down even when I was at Disney. It was as great as the first book, if not better! I seriously can't wait for the next book, because the end left me wanting more. I am giving this amazing book 5 out of 5 stars!
Invisible Monsters by Joshua McCune
Talker 25, #2
Publisher: Greenwillow Books
(An imprint of HarperCollins Publishers)
Publication Date: June 2, 2015
Rating: 5 stars
Source: Advanced Reviewer Copy provided by the author
I would like to thank the author for providing me with an ARC of Invisible Monsters for an honest review.
I had been searching for a cool dystopian book for awhile, and Joshua has a way of filling all my needs in this series. I get the struggle of the dark battle, the hard choices that have to be made, and kick butt dragons. This book is like no other. I love all the dynamics in it, and Joshua makes all of them flow seamlessly. He also manages to surprise you, because I everything you think you know will be turned on its axis.
Melissa is trying to come to terms with everything that has happened and all the decisions she has had to make. She always wonders who she can trust, and if she has made the right choices. With so many secrets still being kept from her she knows she has made the best decisions she could, at least that is what she tries to tell herself.
James is still not with Melissa and she wonders what happened to him, and will her friend ever be the same again? Will there feelings for each other resurface or has to much happened?
Colin is developing strong feelings for Melissa but he has secrets of his own. Melissa doesn't know if she can trust him. Melissa also has a secret she is keeping from him. She really likes Colin and can see in his eyes that he cares for her, but is that enough? Can they trust each other or are their secrets going to breaking them apart before anything starts?
The dragons, Grackel, Baby, and Praxus all had so much personality. These three were my favorite characters in this book. Joshua gave them so much personality and life in Invisible Monsters. I laughed at the banter and liked the dialog between them and Melissa more then her with most humans. It really made you jealous that you can't have a dragon.
I loved this book so much, I could not put it down even when I was at Disney. It was as great as the first book, if not better! I seriously can't wait for the next book, because the end left me wanting more. I am giving this amazing book 5 out of 5 stars!
July 2, 2016
Review courtesy of Dark Faerie Tales
Quick & Dirty: Despite some periods of horrible confusion, this gritty, gorgeously written novel kept me on edge.
Opening Sentence: When I asked Colin to teach me how to shoot a gun, I should have considered the consequences.
The Review:
I remember, when I read Talker 25, being confused. I remember going along with the novel and hoping that eventually it cleared up for me, and then eventually giving up. Nevertheless I could appreciate the fast paced nature, the endless action scenes, and the incredible writing style that made every page punch you in the gut. There were so many sentences that were simple, brief, choppy, but were rang with so much truth that I could’t help being affected.
Going into this novel I wasn’t sure how I would feel. For one, I was confused by the first book, and I hadn’t read it in over a year. I remembered there was a baby dragon and a telepathic main character who could talk to it. I remember a vicious government facility exploiting her talents. Other than the very vague general details, I remembered nothing. I definitely could have saved myself a lot of confusion by just rereading the first book before starting this one, but unfortunately I didn’t. My own stupid decision to just jump into book two caused a lot of frustration. I thought there would be some sort of recap as the novel went on that clued me into the events of the last book, but I was wrong, and I suffered a couple headaches for it.
Despite sometimes not having an idea of what was happening, I did enjoy the writing style and characters. The main character is going a little mad, but is trying to maintain her slippery grip on reality in order to protect those she loves from the danger they’re in. She’s badass.
“Own or be owned. Dominate or be dominated. Two choices: perish with the weak or flourish with the strong. I sweep a hand at the memories around me and laugh louder. Forget the weak. I am strong. I am powerful.”
See what I mean about the writing style? It’s intense, its powerful, it affected me. Some books have awesome plots and characters and basic, boring writing styles – those are the books that I don’t connect with as much. Others have a writing style that winds its way around your heart with the melodic flow of the sentences. Like Delirium by Oliver. This was one of those books. Even though I had no freaking clue what was going on at a couple points, I still appreciated the words.
Altogether I think that it was a fast paced, heart pounding installment with diverse characters. The depth of each character, even the dragons, is momentous, and I was able to really appreciate each and every one of them. I was confused at certain points but others I could infer what was going on. I couldn’t care less where the romance was, and barely remember the names of the love interests. I was more focused on the immediate issues of war with dragons at hand, and the relationships. Baby, Allie, and Mellisa’s friendship was adorable. Other reviewers absolutely loved the story and had no issues with interpreting what was going on, and I think if I had reread book one first I wouldn’t have either. Anyway, I encourage lovers of the first to try it out!
Notable Scene:
“You’ve been through a lot, Melissa. You need time to recover.”
Recover? I snort.
“What about Baby?” he says. “You’re the only one she has left.”
“She has Grackel . . . ” Fuck, I hate him. Fuck, I love him. “She has you.”
FTC Advisory: Greenwillow/HarperTeen provided me with a copy of Invisible Monsters. No goody bags, sponsorships, “material connections,” or bribes were exchanged for my review.
Quick & Dirty: Despite some periods of horrible confusion, this gritty, gorgeously written novel kept me on edge.
Opening Sentence: When I asked Colin to teach me how to shoot a gun, I should have considered the consequences.
The Review:
I remember, when I read Talker 25, being confused. I remember going along with the novel and hoping that eventually it cleared up for me, and then eventually giving up. Nevertheless I could appreciate the fast paced nature, the endless action scenes, and the incredible writing style that made every page punch you in the gut. There were so many sentences that were simple, brief, choppy, but were rang with so much truth that I could’t help being affected.
Going into this novel I wasn’t sure how I would feel. For one, I was confused by the first book, and I hadn’t read it in over a year. I remembered there was a baby dragon and a telepathic main character who could talk to it. I remember a vicious government facility exploiting her talents. Other than the very vague general details, I remembered nothing. I definitely could have saved myself a lot of confusion by just rereading the first book before starting this one, but unfortunately I didn’t. My own stupid decision to just jump into book two caused a lot of frustration. I thought there would be some sort of recap as the novel went on that clued me into the events of the last book, but I was wrong, and I suffered a couple headaches for it.
Despite sometimes not having an idea of what was happening, I did enjoy the writing style and characters. The main character is going a little mad, but is trying to maintain her slippery grip on reality in order to protect those she loves from the danger they’re in. She’s badass.
“Own or be owned. Dominate or be dominated. Two choices: perish with the weak or flourish with the strong. I sweep a hand at the memories around me and laugh louder. Forget the weak. I am strong. I am powerful.”
See what I mean about the writing style? It’s intense, its powerful, it affected me. Some books have awesome plots and characters and basic, boring writing styles – those are the books that I don’t connect with as much. Others have a writing style that winds its way around your heart with the melodic flow of the sentences. Like Delirium by Oliver. This was one of those books. Even though I had no freaking clue what was going on at a couple points, I still appreciated the words.
Altogether I think that it was a fast paced, heart pounding installment with diverse characters. The depth of each character, even the dragons, is momentous, and I was able to really appreciate each and every one of them. I was confused at certain points but others I could infer what was going on. I couldn’t care less where the romance was, and barely remember the names of the love interests. I was more focused on the immediate issues of war with dragons at hand, and the relationships. Baby, Allie, and Mellisa’s friendship was adorable. Other reviewers absolutely loved the story and had no issues with interpreting what was going on, and I think if I had reread book one first I wouldn’t have either. Anyway, I encourage lovers of the first to try it out!
Notable Scene:
“You’ve been through a lot, Melissa. You need time to recover.”
Recover? I snort.
“What about Baby?” he says. “You’re the only one she has left.”
“She has Grackel . . . ” Fuck, I hate him. Fuck, I love him. “She has you.”
FTC Advisory: Greenwillow/HarperTeen provided me with a copy of Invisible Monsters. No goody bags, sponsorships, “material connections,” or bribes were exchanged for my review.
October 12, 2015
Actually 4 1/2 stars. Goodreads, you need to give us half stars for reviews. This book is even more devastating, harsh & nailbiting excting than the first one. Melissa is broken after the reconditioning, and as much as she wish she couldn't she must finally choose a side. I love the beautiful friendship that has evolved between Allie, Baby & her.
Melissa is knocked out in this series more then Hood on Banshee. You may get aggrivated with some of her choice's and want to kick her in the butt, but she is always a person you would want or your side & her story is always captivating. I think in some parts that the author is so excited to relay us the action (not a bad thing) it gets confusing. But my heart was racing a lot in this book (in a good way). I was lucky to read books 1 & 2 together, now starts the endless wait for the next one.
Melissa is knocked out in this series more then Hood on Banshee. You may get aggrivated with some of her choice's and want to kick her in the butt, but she is always a person you would want or your side & her story is always captivating. I think in some parts that the author is so excited to relay us the action (not a bad thing) it gets confusing. But my heart was racing a lot in this book (in a good way). I was lucky to read books 1 & 2 together, now starts the endless wait for the next one.
August 5, 2015
Such a fantastic book! Really great sequel, and yeah, I really, really want the 3rd book now!
May 16, 2018
Actual rating: 4.5 stars
February 5, 2019
Rollercoaster ride of emotions. Can't wait for next book.
April 30, 2020
Very well written middle book but where’s the finale??? ARGGH
November 15, 2025
This one was interesting and just as bloody as the first one.
January 13, 2016
So, this book... was rough for me. I'm not at all surprised by the great reviews it's received on this site; it's written well, there's plenty of action and dialogue, but I just couldn't.
It honestly took me two ROYAL meetings worth of time (almost 5 months) to get through this book. I read it so sporadically that I'm not sure I remember most of what happened. A LOT happened, too, so it was hard to follow anyway. You absolutely need to have read the first book (which I did read, in a more appropriate amount of time ROYAL last year; AND I really liked the first one, too!) to understand or even appreciate what's happening in this second installment.
My favorite characters are Baby and Grackel, the dragons. They have so much personality and I think McCune did a wonderful job of really drawing their characters. So much goes on in Melissa's head, I felt it was a bit grueling to read. But there's something for everyone here (which may be why I couldn't get into this one as much -- too much was going on): there's action and adventure, friendship, politics, romance, heartbreak.
I don't think I'll be reading the third installment, although this series is a great guy read with a strong female protagonist and will appeal to readers who enjoy dragon drama and dystopians. Recommended for grades 9 and up due to instances of mature language and violence.
3 stars
It honestly took me two ROYAL meetings worth of time (almost 5 months) to get through this book. I read it so sporadically that I'm not sure I remember most of what happened. A LOT happened, too, so it was hard to follow anyway. You absolutely need to have read the first book (which I did read, in a more appropriate amount of time ROYAL last year; AND I really liked the first one, too!) to understand or even appreciate what's happening in this second installment.
My favorite characters are Baby and Grackel, the dragons. They have so much personality and I think McCune did a wonderful job of really drawing their characters. So much goes on in Melissa's head, I felt it was a bit grueling to read. But there's something for everyone here (which may be why I couldn't get into this one as much -- too much was going on): there's action and adventure, friendship, politics, romance, heartbreak.
I don't think I'll be reading the third installment, although this series is a great guy read with a strong female protagonist and will appeal to readers who enjoy dragon drama and dystopians. Recommended for grades 9 and up due to instances of mature language and violence.
3 stars
August 3, 2016
The action and the violence ramp up in this sequel to TALKER 25. Melissa has finally escaped the secret government facility that tortured and brain-washed her into calling dragons so that they could be tortured and killed on a popular television series Kissing Dragons. When she escaped, she took another young talker with her. They also managed to free a couple of dragons. They have been hiding out in Alaska.
When they are discovered by the Dioletians, Ally is taken and Melissa is determined to do anything to get her back. Her journey takes her to the Diocletians who control green dragons. They are using their control to kill humans. They are a terrorist organization whose goal is freeing the dragons. Melissa needs to to horrible things to work her way into the organization to find Ally.
There are two young men who are important in this story too. Both of them are keeping secrets and both have loyalties that Melissa can't figure out. It seems that both young men are by turns enemies and allies for Melissa.
The graphic violence of this story makes it most suitable for older young adults who like their fantasy filled with a gritty reality.
When they are discovered by the Dioletians, Ally is taken and Melissa is determined to do anything to get her back. Her journey takes her to the Diocletians who control green dragons. They are using their control to kill humans. They are a terrorist organization whose goal is freeing the dragons. Melissa needs to to horrible things to work her way into the organization to find Ally.
There are two young men who are important in this story too. Both of them are keeping secrets and both have loyalties that Melissa can't figure out. It seems that both young men are by turns enemies and allies for Melissa.
The graphic violence of this story makes it most suitable for older young adults who like their fantasy filled with a gritty reality.
June 19, 2015
I don't even know where to begin with this book! There are plenty of new characters, new dragons, and, of course, new twists! I liked how it gave insight on how a dragon could practically brainwash the talkers, changing the way they think and act. I found a few scenes hard to follow, which made me question what was happening later in the story. I enjoyed the humor between the characters and the roles that each of them brought to the story. I didn't hate James as much as I did when I finished the last book, so that's another plus!
February 11, 2016
My series review for Talker 25 (first two books): Talker 25 and Talker 25: Invisible monsters, are part of a science-fiction YA series by Joshua McCune. It was definitely a unique concept, and it delivered its promised action. I give it nine stars, and recommend it to fans of The Fifth Wave by Rick Yancey, Eragon by Christopher Paolini, and The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins.
Read more on my blog https://mollyeyablog.wordpress.com/20...
Read more on my blog https://mollyeyablog.wordpress.com/20...
July 14, 2015
McCune does it again: makes you think while ripping your heart out of your chest and making you beg for more.
Believe me, I don't not usually go for this kind of thing.
When I recover myself, I will write an extended review on my blog and post a link here.
Can't wait to see how this all wraps up in the final book of the trilogy.
Believe me, I don't not usually go for this kind of thing.
When I recover myself, I will write an extended review on my blog and post a link here.
Can't wait to see how this all wraps up in the final book of the trilogy.
June 26, 2015
much much much better than the first book!
January 29, 2017
Way better than first book but seriously...cut off at the ending...not even cliff hanger just an abrupt sentence...after all the brutality and switching of loyalties...argh!
December 26, 2016
I didn't care for it especially the character of 25. However, the ending was powerful and that garnered the two stars.
Want to read
December 18, 2014Expected publication: April 21st 2015 by Greenwillow
February 25, 2016
Oh, how I love this series so so much. Super underrated. It's REIGN OF FIRE but YA, you guys.
August 26, 2016
Wow... What a sequal. Violent but great.
Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews