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Behind the Stars #2

Learning to Spy

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Episode 2 (Ch. 6-9) in a serialized novel
  
Alone in her mission, Prentiss has to figure out a new approach if she plans to escape the prison camp alive. She does not expect to find an ally among her captors.
  
Strategies change and secrets are revealed in "Learning to Spy."
  
Red Dawn meets LOST in this action-adventure/paranormal romance.
  
"Learning to Spy" is Episode 2 (Chapters 6-9) of BEHIND THE STARS.
*ALL episodes are out now!

ebook

First published November 9, 2014

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Leigh Talbert Moore

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Displaying 1 - 30 of 43 reviews
Profile Image for Lindsay.
Author 0 books58 followers
November 9, 2014
4.5 stars.

Part 2 continues right where Captive left off. We continue to catch peeks into the past, and the story begins to delve into more of the character development. It's really interesting to get to know the characters both as they were, and as they are now, at the same time. And strangely enough, I find myself most curious about her captors. We're given just enough information to keep a small (teeny tiny) amount of hope that they aren't all as bad as they first seemed.

The pace in this one isn't breakneck, but now we begin with the speculation. *Are they who they say they are? What was in those boxes? Are they watching? Are they listening?* Prentiss doesn't know who she can trust, or even if they'll be alive long enough to help her. She's beginning to understand that she needs to help herself.

I am so excited for this serial! If I didn't have to wait for each episode, I would devour the whole thing in one sitting!

A copy of this book was provided by the author in exchange for an honest review.

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Profile Image for Alina Syed.
110 reviews29 followers
November 23, 2014
*I received an eBook copy of this novella in exchange for an honest review.*

‘Learning to Spy’ is the second episode of the novel ‘Behind the Stars’. It continues where ‘Captive’ ended. Prentiss is still searching for a way out. Now she knows that she can’t just run away, so she will have to find another way. A new character, Gallatin, is introduced. He is the brother of Cato, who is in charge of the camp. Prentiss agrees to do some extra work with the cows, so that she can befriend Gallatin, who may be able to help her escape.

I give this book 5 stars. Not much does happen in this novella, but things get clearer. We come to know a bit more of what is happening. But the story is still as interesting as the first episode. It is full of mystery. Publishing the series in episodes makes it more exciting and it builds the suspense very nicely.

I really want to know what happens in ‘Harvest Moon’. I am looking forward to it. The wait will be painful.
P.S. I really like Gallatin, I hope he doesn’t turn out to be a bad character!
Profile Image for Livia.
1,023 reviews41 followers
November 3, 2014
I was eager to continue this serial and very happy to already have this installment at my fingertips. In Learning To Spy, Prentiss uncovers more clues about who the captors are and discovers two new unlikely allies. I liked that we get more background on Prentiss’s life with Jackson before the invasion through the occasional flashbacks that are a source of comfort to her. Those memories fuel her fortitude as she takes on a leadership role in the dairy at the prison camp.

QUICK BREAKDOWN
POV: Prentiss’s only
Story: set in the present but includes flashbacks going back several years
Suspense: more moderate in order to establish the routine of the prison camp
Violence: very mild
Romance level: YA (flashback scenes)
Sex: mostly kissing and a little heavy petting (flashback scenes)
Setting: prison camp at an unknown farm location; Dabb Creek, Mississippi (flashback scenes)
Sequel/Series planned: 2nd in a 6-episode/installment format; the full novel will be available on December 31, 2014

Minor spoilers alert!

This 2nd installment in the Beyond The Stars serial opens with a flashback to Prentiss’s days as a cheerleader before switching back to the conclusion of the dramatic ending moment of Captive. The guards quickly dispense little Dixie cups of water to calm the captives after they witness a rebel’s death. But Prentiss, still suspicious of their motives, refuses to hydrate.

‘I wasn’t about to drink anything they gave us. It was Day One all over again, only this time, it was Guyana. We were all being served the Kool-Aid. Next stop, mass graves. Stupidly, my friends and fellow prisoners had no such qualms. Didn’t anybody watch the History channel? I stared as they all took shaky sips without hesitation.’

Prentiss, while shaken by the rebel’s death, remains undeterred and more determined than ever to escape, find Jackson and return for her older brother, Braxton and the rest of her friends D’Lo, Flora, Yolanda and Roxi.

‘I felt the tingle of possibility. If I could be around her more, or better yet, one of the assistants, it was possible I could find out how much was true and how much was lies. And if there was some secret control panel that would set off the microchips in our bodies, maybe I could disable it.'

Her friend, D’Lo is more cautious and warns Prentiss and her two allies, Yolanda and Roxi of the danger of acting rashly.

“These people…aren’t people,” he said. “They’re not like us, I’m telling you. This is some weird-assesd shit going on right here.”[…]

Yolanda’s eyes cut to mine. “So what do you think?”

“That woman Cato’s in charge, I’m sure of it. Now that I’m working with her little brother, I might be able to get some answers.”


I’m looking forward to finding out if Prentiss’s plan to befriend Gallatin, Cato's young brother, pays off in Harvest Moon (Beyond The Stars Vol. 3) out on November 23, 2014.
Profile Image for Blondies Little Book Life.
76 reviews10 followers
November 19, 2014
*This review may contain spoilers*

I was given an ARC for an honest review

My own eyes grew warm and my thoughts flooded with memories of Jackson and the way things used to be. I missed my hope, my one-time chance at a better life that now felt far, far away. I was tired of being strong, tired of being the only one fighting.

This is one of those stories where it keeps getting better and better the more I read. It starts right off from where Captive left off. Prentiss is stuck in a situation where she forces herself to befriend the enemy aka Gallatin, to gain knowledge of what is going on and why! Even though she has her brother and friends to help her, some are not as willing to step outside there comfort zones to help. At this point she still is at loss at how to feel towards her captures and is willing to do just about anything to find her way out and get back to Jackson. Where ever he might be.

Prentiss is one tough cookie. She is trying so hard to help her friends and stay strong for them, when they can not do so for themselves. She is definitely a fighter. The longer she is there, she is finding herself getting stronger and more determined to find out answers. All she needs is Gallatin to open up to her and trust her enough to tell her what she needs and wants to know. I also since a love triangle brewing. I know right?! I typically don't like them, and I have a feeling this one is really going to break my heart and than some. Reason being, I typically I always tend to root for the first love interest. But that doesn't mean I am not liking Gallatin. I am a lot. But I am hoping against hope things will work out in my favor. Opinions can change, so I guess I have to wait and see. The ending came out of nowhere and leaves Prentiss completely vulnerable to her captors. So, I am left wondering....Will she get the answers she seeks? Where is Jackson in all of this? Will she open her heart to Gallatin? Is Jackson thinking about her, just as she is thinking about him? And last but not least, who are these people that have her family and friends held captive?

Thank you again for the pleasure of reading your book. I can't wait to read happens next.
Profile Image for Krystal.
125 reviews3 followers
November 6, 2014
Learning to Spy (Behind the Stars 2) by Leigh Talbert Moore
Released November 9, 2014
Spoiler Free review by Krystal

I received a copy in exchange for an honest review.

"Prentiss Puckett is certain of three things:
-Graduation is two weeks away.
-Summer only gets hotter in south Mississippi.
-She’s getting a job with air-conditioning.

She did not expect to be kidnapped walking to work.
And she never expected to become a hero."

When we meet back up with Prentiss in part two, not much has changed. She still plans to find a way out, but now her tactics have changed. Knowing she can't just run, Prentiss tries to get help from a few people, but only some are willing. Braxton tries to talk her out of it, but of course when you tell someone they can't do something, they have to try proving you wrong. Even if it means she dies trying.

When Prentiss over hears things that she knows she shouldn't, she decides the easiest way to find information out about where they are and why, is to befriend someone. Keep your friends close and your enemies closer? She willingly did more work around the place, and Gallatin was not who she expected to get close to.

We gave the first volume of this book 3.5 stars because we felt disconnected from the characters and confused. But as we began to read Learning to Spy, volume 2, things started to become a little more clear. Not only did we learn more about Prentiss and life before captivity, but we start getting bits of information as to what the heck is going on. Personally, we think that the friendship is going to progress into something more. When Prentiss and Gallatin find themselves in an awkward and potentially dangerous position with a pregnant cow giving birth, we see a few aspects of Gallatins willingness to befriend and protect Prentiss

"We can do it,' Gallatin said. "I'll protect you."


Leigh Talbert Moore has continued to keep us on our toes. As the plot beings to unfold, and we edge closer to the next book, I look forward to the answers to the questions in our heads: Who are these people? Where the hell is Jackson? And does Prentiss fall for Gallatin (or vice versa)?

Profile Image for Jenny.
996 reviews233 followers
January 9, 2015
Learning to Spy is the second installment of a serial, Behind the Stars. I didn't know too much about it going in, which was probably a good thing, because that's really helped the suspense!

In the first part, Captive, Prentiss is a fairly ordinary hick type girl. She has a boyfriend, Jackson, knows all about farming (Jackson's supposed to inherit his Dad's farm eventually, so all their plans include that) and also works part time with the town vet. Its these skills that become very important later on.

On a normal routine day, Prentiss is kidnapped and wakes up to a "farming concentration camp" is the best way to describe it. Its full of kids from her town, including her brother and some other friends, but Jackson is not there. No one knows what's going on, but they are assigned work shifts in the dairy barn, potato fields, and corn fields. They also appear to have been drugged as most kids seem almost zombie like.

Prentiss is not one of these kids. She spends most of this installment trying to figure out how to bust out of the camp. But what she learns just creates more questions...

In this installment, Prentiss starts learning some of the answers to her questions, but those lead to even more questions. We don't learn a lot in this one, although we start getting some clues. For an installment, this one was just okay, but I will continue reading because I want to know what is happening! On a positive note, the suspense is still really well done in this, and I love the originality of this story.
Profile Image for Lauren Jones.
432 reviews11 followers
November 26, 2014
This book is classified as Episode 2 because it continues on chapter six where Captive ended and concludes on chapter nine. Prentiss is still on this mysterious farm with her brother and friends but unable to find her boyfriend Jackson. What catches my attention is the way that the captors, Cato and her younger brother Gallatin, act around Prentiss. They seem to be intrigued by her skills as a farm hand and seek her out for direction in the barn with their cows. This leaves Prentiss confused about what their agenda is.

Overall, I love the way that Leigh Talbert Moore describes Prentiss's thoughts. Moore really draws you in to the story to where you are left wondering the same thing that her character is wondering. Are they aliens? Are they as bad as they seem when they have been genuinely nice and displaying an interest in her? How can she become a friend to the one person who feels like he is imprisoned but may have all of the answers that she needs?

I recommend this book to others because it is truly interesting in my opinion. I always view a good read by whether or not I am excited to read the next in the series and I am. I can not wait to read Harvest Moon because I would like to find out if Prentiss will escape or if she becomes closer to Gallatin then originally intended.
Profile Image for Karen Russell.
157 reviews34 followers
November 4, 2014
Now I am getting the hang of the whole mini-series thing! It didn't hurt either that I was able to read "Captive" first, then jump right into "Learning to Spy". And I mean it flowed right into each other as if it were the ending of an episode from a t.v. show into the next weeks episode, without missing a beat.

As for the memories Prentiss keeps having, I'm beginning to see what kind of world she lived in before her kidnapping and what the social ladder was like. She is also establishing the relationships she has with others who are in the camp with her but also with others who are not there but yet an important part of the story. I do feel like this slows down the flow, but being a mini-series, it allows more time to be spent there.

I saw more predictability in this installment, but I was not disappointed in the way things went for Prentiss. There were some twists and turns that caught me off guard, but not as intense as the first installment. Overall I am enjoying this new way of reading, and with each part I am drawn further and further into this world and wanting more and more of Prentiss and her life.
Profile Image for Ilona.
294 reviews8 followers
October 31, 2014
Leigh Moore has captured our hearts with a new series Behind the Stars. It is light and suspenseful keeping the reader unsure of what is real.

The suspense in Learning to Spy is building leaving reader at the edge of their seat. It is full of memories from Prentsis hard young life. It is heartbreaking but uplifting.

Learning to Spy is the second part to Behind the Sky by Leigh Moore. Learning to Spy is once again full of suspense and intrigue leaving the reader questioning who is who and what is real.

Prentsis Puckett is still dreaming of her Knight and Shining Armor coming to rescue but she is also becoming more determined. Each day she is growing stronger physically and emotional becoming a leader not willing to give up on the future she and her boyfriend, Jackson have planned out for years. Prentsis is full of life giving her the ability to see past all the rumors that are filling the heads of all her co captives.

Keep it coming Leigh. I need more!





I can wait to get the next part.
Profile Image for Jessica Bronder.
2,015 reviews31 followers
November 17, 2014
After the demonstration of what happens to those that want to fight back, Prentiss has to change her tactics for escape. With some issues with the cows, Prentiss decides to agree to extra work to learn more about Gallatin, but the more she is around him the weirder things seem to be.

I really like how this series is going. You don’t officially know if it is another country or possibly aliens that kidnapped the teens. And if it’s aliens, why kidnap the teens and what are they doing with the whole slave labor? It’s also weird how they say they don’t want to hurt the kids but clearly that is not the case after the end of Captive.

I like how Prentiss finds herself in a perfect spying position. I don’t know what to think of Gallatin yet. He seems arrogant yet caring to the cows. I can’t wait to see what happens next. I think I may just have to break down and get the whole series.

This is a great series that you will want to add to your read list.

I received this book for free in exchange for an honest review.
Profile Image for Christy.
1,249 reviews64 followers
November 26, 2014
Learning to Spy is the second volume in the Behind the Stars book. It isn't a whole book and must be read in order. As of this writing, the first 3 volumes are available, but you may want to wait to get them all if you don't like to be left hanging.

This one was better than the first. I feel like we get a lot more character development and can get a better feel for what is possibly going on in the story. I have a feeling that one of the characters is not who he or she (no spoilers) appears to be. Prentiss is a very strong female character and has a lot of admirable qualities. She is definitely a character for girls to emulate. She wants to be a vet despite her small size, and she seems to be one of the only teens on the farm who have any clue as to what is going on.

The plot development in this one is better than in the first as more meaningful things happen. The conversation is also deeper in this volume.

This story also flashes between past and present. There is swearing and making out, so if you want a totally clean book, this isn't appropriate for you.
Profile Image for Kelly Mccurdy.
899 reviews38 followers
November 29, 2014
~~I received this in exchange for an honest review~~

OK this is the second book of the Behind the Stars series, and it has the arrival of a new person, Gallatin. This person seems like he really doesn't want to be there. Prentiss still is trying to figure out how to get out of there and save her friends and get back to Jackson. But there is a problem, they could have tracking monitors on them. And if they escape, there is a chance that they could be killed remotely.

Man, this book goes a little deeper into what is happening. It still doesn't tell you the why or the when, but you are taken a little further into what is going on. You can tell in this book that Leigh is just writing the movie that is playing out in her head. You can see what she is thinking and you can feel what she is feeling. I love her work, and this book just makes me love her work even more!
Profile Image for Fee (Ebook Addicts).
1,470 reviews44 followers
November 9, 2014
** I received a copy of this book on exchange for my honest opinion. This has no bearing on my review in any way **

Learning to spy book 2

This one picks up right up where book ends, and thankfully I was able to jump right in after reading Captive.

We are still confused as to what the captors are about, where they are from and just what do they mean when it will all be over soon?

Prentiss is set on escaping and wants to grow close to two of the captors whilst working in the dairy barn. This episode is at a slower pace but still poses a lot of questions. I am getting the hang of the whole mini series way of publishing :)

Once again I am left confused and wanting more info, it is extremely hard to review such a short book without giving much away by means of spoilers. But not much happened on this one other than Prentiss helping in the dairy barn more, once they found out she knew a lot about cows.
Profile Image for Lisa Foster.
121 reviews35 followers
November 21, 2014
This section follows immediately after the first part of the book as Prentiss is given more responsibility with the cows. She gets to be with Gallatin, the leader's brother- who seems just like her but in his early 20's. He states he was in school. She is having trouble believing that they are 'aliens' like what the other captives are saying but she is also upset and confused as she is told about mass graves and seen one of her friends killed. She just wants to escape and find Jackson and go on with her life. She relives her memories from the past with cheer-leading and her dreams of becoming a vet, then just being a housewife - now the dream is to just escape. Will she escape- it depends upon her abilities to spy and make friends with the enemy and keep her wits. I for one will keep reading as the author has got me intrigued. I received this from the author via I am a reader in exchange for my honest opinion.
Profile Image for Heather Carver.
602 reviews7 followers
November 3, 2014
4.5 Stars

OMG this book is amazing. I can't get enough of Prentiss. I have so many questions I need answered.

Prentiss is finally in a position to get some answers. Or so she hopes. She is still trying to find a way to save her friends and brother. The people she expects to help her aren't willing to. She makes some friends with the least likely people, but can they help her. Finally she thinks she can get answers from Gallarin, the brother of the head person who is in charge. They get stuck working the barn together. But tragedy strikes before she gets any answers. Will she get them? Or will she lose her chance?

This is a great second book and I cannot wait to read book three. I need to know what is going on. Is Jackson still alive? Will Prentiss do anything to save herself and her friends? Will she fall for Gallatin?
Profile Image for Alisa.
793 reviews44 followers
November 22, 2014
This is my first time reading a series like this so it's a bit different for me to just read part of a story.

Episode 2 picks up where Episode 1 ended. Prentiss is now spending more time with Cato's brother, Gallatin. They are helping each other out and Prentiss is hoping that as she draws closer to him, she will be able to find out more about why they are being held captive and if there is any hope of escape. She now knows it isn't as simple as busting themselves out. She needs to find out more about the trackers they put in them and if there is any way to disable them.

We still have more questions than answers in Episode 2; I'm anxious to get to Episode 3 and learn more about what is happening and who is behind it...

Content: Clean, some swearing
Source: Review copy (opinion is 100% my own)
Profile Image for Shelly Wygant.
1,324 reviews23 followers
November 23, 2014
In the second installment there is another character added, Gallatin. There is still a lot of mystery around the captors. Some of them are nice to Prentiss and ask her to help with the cows. She agrees to try and get to know Gallatin better. She feels this is her way out. It has been proven that what can happen to those that try to fight back or flee so Prentiss needs to find another way out. She feels that Gallatin is her ticket to freedom.

This story moves at a nice study pace. Just enough to keep you in suspense. This is mostly told in the present but we still see some of Prentiss's flashbacks to her old life. She it still trying to keep her family and friends safe and give them hope that there is a way out. This book still gives you unanswered questions and keeps you anxiously waiting for the next book.

I received a gift copy in exchange for an honest review.
Profile Image for Christianna Marks.
351 reviews66 followers
November 9, 2014
This book is just as exciting as the first installment (Captive) and it might even be more so. Moore sure knows how to tell a story and this serial novel gains a lot of momentum in Learning to Spy.

Prentiss still has no clue what is going on around her. Her captures aren't trying to hurt her. There's a new mysterious bad guy? floating around and her friends are finally starting to see how strange everything around them is.

There is still a sense of having no clue what is going on, but it works so well here. The stakes are clearly getting higher and yet Prentiss is being given more responsibility. I honestly can't wait to see what happens in episode three. Can it be two weeks in the future yet?
Profile Image for Rita.
134 reviews1 follower
November 9, 2014
As I began this second episode I was slowly getting sucked into the story. This book is again just a short 4 chapters long but a lot takes place in those 4 chapters. I really started to enjoy the main character and I liked to see the beginnings of her relationship with her captors. Is that what they really are?? This episode makes you start to wonder exactly where the relationships are going to go. I am still fuzzy as to what exactly these people are.....you will have to read it and come to your own conclusion as to what they are!! But be careful, if you were like me and hesitant of reading this series the second book will get you! :) I can't wait to read the rest of it! I have been left hanging and I am hoping it's not for long!!!
Profile Image for Melanie.
752 reviews23 followers
December 7, 2014
Cato, the woman in charge, has singled Prentiss out to help in the dairy. She ends up working next to Gallatin, Cato’s brother. She strikes up a friendship with him in order to try to find out what exactly is going on. Gallatin isn’t thrilled to be at this camp and seems like a nice guy, so she’s hoping to get some answers from him.

Prentiss is still wanting to find a way out but she’s learning the rules to make her stay more pleasant. Just as things seem to be going well, though, something happens at the end that just might change everything!

I’m not used to reviewing installments and it’s been interesting to read this story in small sections but I am liking it and am looking forward to reading more!

I received a copy of this book to review. My opinion is 100% my own.
21 reviews
November 4, 2014
What an interesting book! It grabbed me right away. Just like the story. :) This is the first serial book I've read and I'm loving the concept. It's dosed out perfectly for one siting. However since I just want more and more of the story I don't want to wait. This story rings too close to one of my biggest fears. I have this theory that things things can and do happen. ( No spoilers!). I'm in love with the authors writing style and how the story is starting to unfold. I can't get enough and want more!
136 reviews7 followers
November 17, 2014
This book is the next 5 chapters in the series. If you haven't read the first book, I suggest you go back and read it or you will be lost. This book delves a little deeper into Prentiss being in captivity. She is trying to get to know her captors and get on their good side so they may divulge some secrets that will be beneficial to her escaping. This left on quite the cliff hanger and I can't wait to read the third episode.
Profile Image for Peggy.
2,458 reviews50 followers
November 27, 2014
~Received For An Honest Review~


I strongly recommend that you read this series in order. This is the second book in this series and it just keeps getting better and better. After being kidnapped, Prentiss is still seeking ways to escape. But can she figure this all out on her own or will there be more to the whole situation? This has been a thrill this far and I can't wait to get the next in the series!
Profile Image for Rebecca.
701 reviews1 follower
November 8, 2014
Another heart pounding, throat closing, edge of your seat addition to the series! Prentiss is learning more about where she is and what is going on but she isn't sure who she can trust or who is on her side. Couldn't put it down! This series is quickly pulling me and keeping me there! I can't wait to read the next installment!!
Profile Image for Stacy.
24 reviews
November 11, 2014
These are short reads that contain a lot of information. They are the start of a good series and I cannot wait to see what happens next. She is a great person who is going to lead her friends to safety no matter what it seems. The books leave off on a cliff hanger, which is annoying and keeps you coming back for the rest. Each book gives you a little more insight and wanting more.
Profile Image for Tori (Book Chick).
837 reviews51 followers
October 31, 2014
** I received this in exchange for an honest review.

I cannot wait to read the next part! I have no idea what's going on, which is perfect because neither do the characters in the book. I'm right there with Prentiss trying to understand the situation.
Profile Image for Sarah Elizabeth.
5,002 reviews1,406 followers
July 2, 2016
I like how passionate Prentiss is about working with animals. Her boyfriend Jackson is really starting to show his true colours as well.
Profile Image for Kirsty Bicknell.
659 reviews68 followers
January 3, 2015
Learning To Spy is Volume 2 in the Behind the Stars serial and immediately we are dragged into one of Prentiss’ flashbacks. Finding relief in her life pre-camp has quickly become a coping mechanism for Prentiss and whilst it helps the reader understand more about her character, it also provides a relief from the confusion about her current situation.
Prentiss is still intent on escaping, despite Braxton’s discovery that,
‘ ” The guard said once they discover you’re gone, they press a button and send a current through your nervous system. You drop, and in that instant, your brains fry like an egg inside your skull.” ‘
Prentiss realises that her only way out might be to befriend their captors and when she is given a permanent position in the dairy this goal looks possible. Not only does this ‘job’ gain her Cato’s trust, but it gives her an opportunity to find out more about the mysterious Gallatin, who she has overheard expressing his dislike for the camp.
In Learning to Spy few questions are answered about the reason why these labour camps exist and the identity of the strangers. Leigh Talbert Moore briefly introduces unusual phrases which peak our curiosity and the increased violence means we fear more for the prisoners.
Learning to Spy concludes with a cliffhanger leading us nicely into Harvest Moon, which at the time of writing this review is unavailable . . . .DARN!
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