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Extraction #3
Evolution
The final book in the brilliantly paced Extraction series. About a fearless girl who wins escape from a brutal life only to find herself battling to save her planet from destruction.
THE FIGHT FOR THEIR LIVES STARTS NOW
Clementine and Logan’s world is on the brink of destruction. An army of aliens from the distant planet Marden has arrived with a massive fleet of battleships, intent on finally putting an end to an age-old war. With the Alliance headquarters reduced to rubble and one of the rebel leaders close to death, Clementine and her friends have no choice but to retreat to the Core to escape the alien ships attacking the Surface.
But safety in the Core means forming a temporary alliance with their sworn enemy. Though he's a ruthless man they cannot trust, striking a bargain with him—his pardon in exchange for their help defeating the Mardenites—seems the only way the rebels might survive. The only way that Clementine and Logan might finally live in peace. But their hope for peace is short lived as they soon find out that Marden's force is more powerful than anyone anticipated, with weapons and technologies never before seen on Kiel. Unless old feuds can be set aside long enough for a diplomatic solution to be found, all of Kiel's people will be destroyed, and all of Clementine’s sacrifices will mean nothing.
With pulse-pounding twists and turns, the stunning conclusion to the Extraction series will leave you breathless!
THE FIGHT FOR THEIR LIVES STARTS NOW
Clementine and Logan’s world is on the brink of destruction. An army of aliens from the distant planet Marden has arrived with a massive fleet of battleships, intent on finally putting an end to an age-old war. With the Alliance headquarters reduced to rubble and one of the rebel leaders close to death, Clementine and her friends have no choice but to retreat to the Core to escape the alien ships attacking the Surface.
But safety in the Core means forming a temporary alliance with their sworn enemy. Though he's a ruthless man they cannot trust, striking a bargain with him—his pardon in exchange for their help defeating the Mardenites—seems the only way the rebels might survive. The only way that Clementine and Logan might finally live in peace. But their hope for peace is short lived as they soon find out that Marden's force is more powerful than anyone anticipated, with weapons and technologies never before seen on Kiel. Unless old feuds can be set aside long enough for a diplomatic solution to be found, all of Kiel's people will be destroyed, and all of Clementine’s sacrifices will mean nothing.
With pulse-pounding twists and turns, the stunning conclusion to the Extraction series will leave you breathless!
320 pages, Hardcover
First published September 8, 2015
1 person is currently reading
895 people want to read
About the author
Stephanie Diaz
7 books266 followersStephanie Diaz lives in San Diego, CA with her husband and dog, writing stories and working as a freelance editor. She graduated from San Diego State University with a degree in film production. She is the author of the Extraction series, a YA sci-fi trilogy published by Macmillan. Over the past five years, she has worked with numerous self-published and agented writers to build their craft and polish their manuscripts, including award-winning author Don M. Winn. Learn more about her work online at www.stephaniediazbooks.com. Follow her on twitter: @StephanieEDiaz.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews
July 9, 2018
*Source* Publisher
*Genre* Young Adult / Science Fiction
*Rating* 3.5
*Thoughts*
Stephanie Diaz's Evolution concludes the saga of Clementine and Logan, two surface dwellers wrenched apart thanks to the Extraction, and Clementine's mission to reunite them and end the planet's destruction. Set on a fictional planet known as Kiel, Evolution picks up right where Rebellion left off. When we last left our protagonist Clementine, she had fallen to one of Commander Charlie's mind control drugs which forced her and others to attack the former base of the Rebellion.
*Full Review @ Gizmos Reviews
http://gizmosreviews.blogspot.com/201...
*Genre* Young Adult / Science Fiction
*Rating* 3.5
*Thoughts*
Stephanie Diaz's Evolution concludes the saga of Clementine and Logan, two surface dwellers wrenched apart thanks to the Extraction, and Clementine's mission to reunite them and end the planet's destruction. Set on a fictional planet known as Kiel, Evolution picks up right where Rebellion left off. When we last left our protagonist Clementine, she had fallen to one of Commander Charlie's mind control drugs which forced her and others to attack the former base of the Rebellion.
*Full Review @ Gizmos Reviews
http://gizmosreviews.blogspot.com/201...
August 22, 2015
Thoroughly enjoyed Evolution and as the completion of a trilogy it worked really well - no going off on wild tangents unlike some I've read and a very decent solution that made utter sense within the rest of the wider story which can also be rather unusual, as some struggle to cohesively bring together all their wider arcs.
In Evoloution, Clem is heading back to the core - hoping to make a deal with arch enemy Commander Charlie and join forces to defeat the wider threat, that of the invasion, she is already staggered by loss and unsure which way to turn. Again though she does not have the whole picture and as we head towards the final battle, the complete truth starts to emerge...
I've really been highly entertained by this whole series. Clem is one of my favourite YA heroines, tough yet not so tough that she becomes caricature and the best thing is there are no overwhelmingly saccharine love stories muddying the waters. She has her fella, right from the start and that is that. Yes she fights for him but keeps her eye on the prize - that of freedom from a particular kind of slavery - all the way through. She stumbles and falls, makes both good and bad decisions and as far as that goes is beautifully realistic.
In other characters, we have the "bad guy" Commander Charlie who is evil beyond belief but also very believable - Stephanie Diaz creating a psychological picture of enough depth to make the battles, both verbal and physical between these two opponents very compelling. The wider cast as well all have a nice depth to them, overall the character drama threads are very well done.
World building is great- an imaginative story that feels real, a setting that is well described and easy to see in your head. Plot construction also of a high standard - as I said at the start, it all comes together, all the previous novels have lead up to this and here we are.
Overall then a great YA trilogy, one I could easily imagine transferring to the visual medium very well, emotional depth, great storytelling and really highly engaging from start to finish.
Recommended
Happy Reading Folks!
In Evoloution, Clem is heading back to the core - hoping to make a deal with arch enemy Commander Charlie and join forces to defeat the wider threat, that of the invasion, she is already staggered by loss and unsure which way to turn. Again though she does not have the whole picture and as we head towards the final battle, the complete truth starts to emerge...
I've really been highly entertained by this whole series. Clem is one of my favourite YA heroines, tough yet not so tough that she becomes caricature and the best thing is there are no overwhelmingly saccharine love stories muddying the waters. She has her fella, right from the start and that is that. Yes she fights for him but keeps her eye on the prize - that of freedom from a particular kind of slavery - all the way through. She stumbles and falls, makes both good and bad decisions and as far as that goes is beautifully realistic.
In other characters, we have the "bad guy" Commander Charlie who is evil beyond belief but also very believable - Stephanie Diaz creating a psychological picture of enough depth to make the battles, both verbal and physical between these two opponents very compelling. The wider cast as well all have a nice depth to them, overall the character drama threads are very well done.
World building is great- an imaginative story that feels real, a setting that is well described and easy to see in your head. Plot construction also of a high standard - as I said at the start, it all comes together, all the previous novels have lead up to this and here we are.
Overall then a great YA trilogy, one I could easily imagine transferring to the visual medium very well, emotional depth, great storytelling and really highly engaging from start to finish.
Recommended
Happy Reading Folks!
September 17, 2015
If you've ever thought Dystopia was confined to Earth societies, think again. This well-delineated series [EXTRACTION--REBELLION--EVOLUTION] offers a new and extended view of just how ugly Dystopia can be. In a society that proves the truth of the X-Files stricture, "Trust No One," it's next to impossible to determine whom one can trust and really is your friend. Are the invading aliens the worst enemy--or is that the ones you already know?
May 26, 2015
Out September 8, 2015.
Update 1/23/15: We have a cover!!
Update 5/26/15: The description has been updated with the official flap copy!
Update 1/23/15: We have a cover!!
Update 5/26/15: The description has been updated with the official flap copy!
October 16, 2015
Clementine has been to the center of her planet and back. She expected to find a better life, but instead found corruption and a horrific plan to sacrifice everyone on the Surface to save those in the Core. She joined a rebellion, but recently discovered a truth that changed everything, and an external threat that just might be more of a danger to her people.
I must admit, I was worried that the aliens would let Commander Charlie and the other officials off the hook. Invading aliens with advanced technology would be a reason for some to resort to extreme measures. I think there's never a reason for the kind of medical experimentation that they were doing, but at least it is more of a reason than they were doing it because they're the bad guys and thus do bad things.
I've been looking forward to the arrival of the aliens since the end of EXTRACTION, when their existence was revealed. REBELLION dealt with the eponymous rebellion instead of picking up that thread. While I was quite satisfied by the alien's appearance in EVOLUTION, I wish Stephanie Diaz had seeded some more information about them earlier in the trilogy. I was really interested in their past interactions with humans and sad that that was only a fact in this book.
I continued to enjoy Clementine and Logan's relationship, as well as the refreshing lack of a love triangle. There are not many YA dystopians without one. Both of them are ridiculous about offering to sacrifice themself for the other, but I believed in their connection and their worries.
I can't say I'll ever be a dystopian fan, but I truly enjoyed the Extraction trilogy. I think it is because it leaned more towards the science fiction end of things, and really expanded beyond the government versus one special girl. I look forward to seeing Diaz's next novel, now that her debut trilogy is done.
I must admit, I was worried that the aliens would let Commander Charlie and the other officials off the hook. Invading aliens with advanced technology would be a reason for some to resort to extreme measures. I think there's never a reason for the kind of medical experimentation that they were doing, but at least it is more of a reason than they were doing it because they're the bad guys and thus do bad things.
I've been looking forward to the arrival of the aliens since the end of EXTRACTION, when their existence was revealed. REBELLION dealt with the eponymous rebellion instead of picking up that thread. While I was quite satisfied by the alien's appearance in EVOLUTION, I wish Stephanie Diaz had seeded some more information about them earlier in the trilogy. I was really interested in their past interactions with humans and sad that that was only a fact in this book.
I continued to enjoy Clementine and Logan's relationship, as well as the refreshing lack of a love triangle. There are not many YA dystopians without one. Both of them are ridiculous about offering to sacrifice themself for the other, but I believed in their connection and their worries.
I can't say I'll ever be a dystopian fan, but I truly enjoyed the Extraction trilogy. I think it is because it leaned more towards the science fiction end of things, and really expanded beyond the government versus one special girl. I look forward to seeing Diaz's next novel, now that her debut trilogy is done.
August 9, 2015
This was my favorite book in the series. It seemed like all my problems with the first two were fixed and like with the first two the writing was awesome.
The world was very well explained. Too many times in science fiction books the world building is just glossed over, but that was not the case with this one. Everything was described so well that it actually felt like I was watching a movie. I also liked how the writing sort of got to the point of things but it still managed to describe. For this reason, my favorite part of this series was the writing.
The plot moved smoothly, unlike the second book. Also it didn't take me very long to get into this one. The other two seemed to drag on in the beginning and this one didn't do that at all. The plot might have been a little jumbled once in a while but the book was so entertaining that it didn't affect the overall enjoyment very much.
I still think that the characters were very well fleshed out and 3D. I loved how independent Clem was and how she could fight for herself. She didn't wait for Logan or anyone else to save her and that is a nice change in the YA genre. The romance was still pretty light, but not quite as much so as the first two books. It was partially because Logan and Clem could finally be with each other but it was also because their relationship had progressed to that point. Its more PG13 than the other books.
I loved this series and I'm really sad to see it end. Be sure to read this one and the first two books! Evolution is released September 8th this year so be sure to look for it. If you like science fiction books with a little romance and kick-butt characters, definitely read the first book, Extraction, RIGHT NOW!!!
***I received an ARC of this book in exchange for my honest review. I have given this above. A huge thank you goes out to St.Martin's Press!***
The world was very well explained. Too many times in science fiction books the world building is just glossed over, but that was not the case with this one. Everything was described so well that it actually felt like I was watching a movie. I also liked how the writing sort of got to the point of things but it still managed to describe. For this reason, my favorite part of this series was the writing.
The plot moved smoothly, unlike the second book. Also it didn't take me very long to get into this one. The other two seemed to drag on in the beginning and this one didn't do that at all. The plot might have been a little jumbled once in a while but the book was so entertaining that it didn't affect the overall enjoyment very much.
I still think that the characters were very well fleshed out and 3D. I loved how independent Clem was and how she could fight for herself. She didn't wait for Logan or anyone else to save her and that is a nice change in the YA genre. The romance was still pretty light, but not quite as much so as the first two books. It was partially because Logan and Clem could finally be with each other but it was also because their relationship had progressed to that point. Its more PG13 than the other books.
I loved this series and I'm really sad to see it end. Be sure to read this one and the first two books! Evolution is released September 8th this year so be sure to look for it. If you like science fiction books with a little romance and kick-butt characters, definitely read the first book, Extraction, RIGHT NOW!!!
***I received an ARC of this book in exchange for my honest review. I have given this above. A huge thank you goes out to St.Martin's Press!***
August 25, 2015
I hadn’t read any of the previous books in the series. I may have passed on this if the cover had indicated that this was the third book in a series, but the blurb looked interesting when I saw it on NetGalley, so I added it to my TBR pile.
I was confused about a few things that were likely explored in the previous books. Evolution is a sort of coming of age story, but I wasn’t already emotionally invested in any of the characters. I didn’t care if any of them died, or if the aliens conquered them. There’s a rebellion against a totalitarian government that apparently happens after the surface of the Earth is ruined by alien technology.
Not knowing the back-story, I suspect the alien tech would’ve been way cooler, but I presume that was the premise of the previous books.
I’m not sure my apathy toward the characters is a product of showing up late to the party, but the writing was clean, and I suspect had I started at the beginning, I’d have rated it higher. I don’t know that I’d personally want to read the previous stories, but I’d give a fourth book a try (this one is touted as the final book, so that’s unlikely), and I’d definitely be interested in the author’s other books.
I was confused about a few things that were likely explored in the previous books. Evolution is a sort of coming of age story, but I wasn’t already emotionally invested in any of the characters. I didn’t care if any of them died, or if the aliens conquered them. There’s a rebellion against a totalitarian government that apparently happens after the surface of the Earth is ruined by alien technology.
Not knowing the back-story, I suspect the alien tech would’ve been way cooler, but I presume that was the premise of the previous books.
I’m not sure my apathy toward the characters is a product of showing up late to the party, but the writing was clean, and I suspect had I started at the beginning, I’d have rated it higher. I don’t know that I’d personally want to read the previous stories, but I’d give a fourth book a try (this one is touted as the final book, so that’s unlikely), and I’d definitely be interested in the author’s other books.
November 19, 2015
Thanks to NetGalley and St. Martin's Griffin for the arc of Evolution by Stephanie Diaz! The final and third book in the Extraction series contains more complex writing than the other two books. Clementine struggles with her choices while the alien Mardenites attack and capture humans. My favorite part of the book is when Clementine meets the Mardenites' God, the Tessar. Evolution closes this series up beautifully!
September 14, 2015
it was different from the other book
July 24, 2018
I really enjoyed this book. It’s a high-stakes, intricately plotted novel with exciting characters, realistic fights and romance and government portrayal. It’s very enjoyable, and the ending spins together so well, never going exactly as expected but still with a happy ending that’s not unreasonable. I love seeing a smart, strong female like Clementine. Definitely a series worth reading until the end.
March 21, 2018
I love the brave, thoughtful and intelligent heroine in the book and this book never fail to surprise me. It explains everything in the end. However, i feel the book could have explored more about the creature in book 2. Although the ending feels a bit rushed but I'm overall satisfied! I am relieved that everything ends well. Series of the art!
May 11, 2018
liked the series, easy to read and well told story....
July 25, 2019
3,5 Stars
December 6, 2019
very nice ending
February 15, 2022
Five things:
- Mind control
- Alien invasion
- Genetic modification
- Dictators
- Count down
- Mind control
- Alien invasion
- Genetic modification
- Dictators
- Count down
November 25, 2024
Oh, this was a fantastic end to the series, I had such a great time reading it!
July 18, 2023
Thank you for providing me with an egalley of this book to read and give my honest review.
I was excited to be able to read the final installment of this series. Haven't read the first two? You really need to do so in order to understand what is happening in this story.
Thrown back into the world of Clementine and Logan, we learn about Marden (FINALLY) and the history of the war. The books ties up all the loose ends nicely, filling in the gaps that have been left from the first two books.
The power play between Clem and Commander Charlie in this book is intense. Clem has to make some hard decision in order to save her friends.
Diaz continued to develop and flesh out the world we've come to know. And at the same time the background we learn helps us to understand it even more. Her world building is great and I can actually see what she describes. Of course there are some twists and turns in the story, as well.
Overall, this last book wraps the series up nicely, though it's not the perfect end I would have imagined.
If you're looking for a fast paced series with characters who are relatable, I highly recommend you jump into this one.
I was excited to be able to read the final installment of this series. Haven't read the first two? You really need to do so in order to understand what is happening in this story.
Thrown back into the world of Clementine and Logan, we learn about Marden (FINALLY) and the history of the war. The books ties up all the loose ends nicely, filling in the gaps that have been left from the first two books.
The power play between Clem and Commander Charlie in this book is intense. Clem has to make some hard decision in order to save her friends.
Diaz continued to develop and flesh out the world we've come to know. And at the same time the background we learn helps us to understand it even more. Her world building is great and I can actually see what she describes. Of course there are some twists and turns in the story, as well.
Overall, this last book wraps the series up nicely, though it's not the perfect end I would have imagined.
If you're looking for a fast paced series with characters who are relatable, I highly recommend you jump into this one.
February 8, 2017
See this review and more bookish things on my blog!
If you know me, you know my luck with trilogies. You know how I warm up to a series, and, just when things start to get good, the third book comes along and pulverizes me with disappointment. It’s happened so many times (with some of my favorite series, too) that I actually get antsy when reading the third book in a trilogy, because I know how they end, and I know that they usually disappoint me.
But I can say with confidence that Evolution is one of–if not the only–trilogy finale that did not disappoint me. Trust me when I say this is the highest of compliments.
Before I review this book specifically, I want to take a step back and look at the trajectory of the series as a whole. The first book, Extraction, is a dystopian at its heart, with sci-fi undertones–strong ones, but undertones nonetheless. Rebellion saw a step toward the sci-fi end of the spectrum, with spaceships and spying and an undercover resistance (and so many twists and turns my eyes were practically Gorilla-glued to the pages).
In Evolution, we’re full-on sci-fi, complete with more spaceships (Can you hear the nerd in me squealing?) and an alien invasion. Here, Stephanie Diaz really steps into her own and brings everything she’s got to the table, and it shows. I enjoyed every bit of it.
This book starts in a seemingly impossible situation: Aliens are invading Kiel, and Clementine and her friends in the rebellion might have to consider an alliance with Charlie and the Commanders if they want to stand a chance against the Mardenite armies. But knowing that the Commanders have been Clementine’s enemies–the enemies of everyone she’s loved, the threats to her safety and her security and her entire world–how can allying with them even be a possibility? How could it ever be part of the picture? I knew it was going to take a lot of skill to pull of this maneuver.
But Diaz manages it, and she manages it well. This book doesn’t shirk away from character deaths, and it doesn’t back down from the high stakes it sets up. Everything has been leading up to this, and Diaz delivers.
One of my favorite aspects of this series (besides the covers, of course) is the writing: simple and clean and sleek, but still beautiful. It’s theatrical and vivid, but never overbearingly so. We get breathtaking descriptions of space and stars, and I ate them up with a spoon (the descriptions, not the stars).
In Rebellion, Diaz really hit her stride, prose-wise, and, here, her writing shines just as brightly. Diaz is always aware of the mood of each scene, and her writing tone reflects that really well. Quiet scenes are quiet, and intense scenes are just as explosive as they should be. All of them are written beautifully.
All this being said, I did have a little trouble buying one of the big twists in this novel because I felt it made one of the characters a little too much of a special snowflake, but it wasn’t a deal breaker for me. The ending was also wrapped up a little too neatly for me, but, again, a minor complaint. I’m always saying I hate it when I don’t closure at the end of a series, so it was great to have that here.
In conclusion, this was a really fun sci-fi series that got my adrenaline pumping in all the right ways, while just happening to have pretty prose. Between the gorgeous covers, the gripping plots, and the lovely writing, Diaz has captivated me with this series just as much as the stars she so skillfully describes. A stellar (heheh) conclusion to an action-packed sci-fi series that’s just as exciting as it is enthralling.
If you know me, you know my luck with trilogies. You know how I warm up to a series, and, just when things start to get good, the third book comes along and pulverizes me with disappointment. It’s happened so many times (with some of my favorite series, too) that I actually get antsy when reading the third book in a trilogy, because I know how they end, and I know that they usually disappoint me.
But I can say with confidence that Evolution is one of–if not the only–trilogy finale that did not disappoint me. Trust me when I say this is the highest of compliments.
Before I review this book specifically, I want to take a step back and look at the trajectory of the series as a whole. The first book, Extraction, is a dystopian at its heart, with sci-fi undertones–strong ones, but undertones nonetheless. Rebellion saw a step toward the sci-fi end of the spectrum, with spaceships and spying and an undercover resistance (and so many twists and turns my eyes were practically Gorilla-glued to the pages).
In Evolution, we’re full-on sci-fi, complete with more spaceships (Can you hear the nerd in me squealing?) and an alien invasion. Here, Stephanie Diaz really steps into her own and brings everything she’s got to the table, and it shows. I enjoyed every bit of it.
This book starts in a seemingly impossible situation: Aliens are invading Kiel, and Clementine and her friends in the rebellion might have to consider an alliance with Charlie and the Commanders if they want to stand a chance against the Mardenite armies. But knowing that the Commanders have been Clementine’s enemies–the enemies of everyone she’s loved, the threats to her safety and her security and her entire world–how can allying with them even be a possibility? How could it ever be part of the picture? I knew it was going to take a lot of skill to pull of this maneuver.
But Diaz manages it, and she manages it well. This book doesn’t shirk away from character deaths, and it doesn’t back down from the high stakes it sets up. Everything has been leading up to this, and Diaz delivers.
One of my favorite aspects of this series (besides the covers, of course) is the writing: simple and clean and sleek, but still beautiful. It’s theatrical and vivid, but never overbearingly so. We get breathtaking descriptions of space and stars, and I ate them up with a spoon (the descriptions, not the stars).
In Rebellion, Diaz really hit her stride, prose-wise, and, here, her writing shines just as brightly. Diaz is always aware of the mood of each scene, and her writing tone reflects that really well. Quiet scenes are quiet, and intense scenes are just as explosive as they should be. All of them are written beautifully.
All this being said, I did have a little trouble buying one of the big twists in this novel because I felt it made one of the characters a little too much of a special snowflake, but it wasn’t a deal breaker for me. The ending was also wrapped up a little too neatly for me, but, again, a minor complaint. I’m always saying I hate it when I don’t closure at the end of a series, so it was great to have that here.
In conclusion, this was a really fun sci-fi series that got my adrenaline pumping in all the right ways, while just happening to have pretty prose. Between the gorgeous covers, the gripping plots, and the lovely writing, Diaz has captivated me with this series just as much as the stars she so skillfully describes. A stellar (heheh) conclusion to an action-packed sci-fi series that’s just as exciting as it is enthralling.
June 8, 2017
I got this book for free through the Goodreads First Reads book giveaway. This is my honest review.
I honestly can't remember the last time it's taken me this long to finish a book. I started and stopped this one so many times before I decided I had to just get it over with. If I hadn't won this in a giveaway, I wouldn't have finished it. I probably would have quit partway into the first book, to be honest. But because I was a giveaway winner, I felt obligated to finish it and provide a review.
I'm not sure why I've never gotten into this series. There's nothing wrong with Stephanie Diaz's writing; even in an uncorrected proof, her skills are evident. And the basic premise of the story is interesting. But for some reason, I just never found myself caring about what happened. The characters seemed like names on a page rather than real people. Plus, a lot of their names felt rather silly to me (Beechy, Paley, etc.). Come to think of it, there were quite a few names ending with "-ie" or "-y." Hm.
That said, these books aren't my thing. But I'm sure there are people who love them. I've got three good things to say about the series:
1. It's not full of bad language and graphic sex, as is an unfortunate, growing trend in YA lit. (At least the first book I was annoyed by the frequent use of made-up swear words, but I don't recall them being used in this one.)
2. It doesn't end like the Divergent series, which I recall some reviewers comparing it to.
3. I wasn't distracted by inconsistencies and editing errors.
So there's that.
How it ends:
Note: One implied sex scene (very, very light--there's kissing and intention, and it stops there).
I honestly can't remember the last time it's taken me this long to finish a book. I started and stopped this one so many times before I decided I had to just get it over with. If I hadn't won this in a giveaway, I wouldn't have finished it. I probably would have quit partway into the first book, to be honest. But because I was a giveaway winner, I felt obligated to finish it and provide a review.
I'm not sure why I've never gotten into this series. There's nothing wrong with Stephanie Diaz's writing; even in an uncorrected proof, her skills are evident. And the basic premise of the story is interesting. But for some reason, I just never found myself caring about what happened. The characters seemed like names on a page rather than real people. Plus, a lot of their names felt rather silly to me (Beechy, Paley, etc.). Come to think of it, there were quite a few names ending with "-ie" or "-y." Hm.
That said, these books aren't my thing. But I'm sure there are people who love them. I've got three good things to say about the series:
1. It's not full of bad language and graphic sex, as is an unfortunate, growing trend in YA lit. (At least the first book I was annoyed by the frequent use of made-up swear words, but I don't recall them being used in this one.)
2. It doesn't end like the Divergent series, which I recall some reviewers comparing it to.
3. I wasn't distracted by inconsistencies and editing errors.
So there's that.
How it ends:
Note: One implied sex scene (very, very light--there's kissing and intention, and it stops there).
September 7, 2015
Evolution is book three in the Extraction series and it picks up shortly after book two (Rebellion) wraps up so you aren’t missing anything. I have really been enjoying this series so as soon as I was able to read it, I dove in. If you haven’t read any of these books yet, you might want to stop here (and of course, go read them) so I don’t ruin any of the story for you.
As the story begins, Clementine and the rebels have to figure out what to do now that their headquarters is destroyed and aliens from Marden are invading. Clem has to figure out who she can (and will) trust and it definitely isn’t an easy decision. The one thing she and the group do know is that they can’t do anything about the aliens on their own. Because of this, she and the small group decide to head to the core but on their way, they are attacked and some of the group are taken by the aliens. When Clementine gets to the core, she is face to face with Commander Charlie again and has to make a deal with him to save her friends and Logan.
We have the normal cast of characters in this book as we had in the past and I thought Diaz did a wonderful job of giving us more of each of them while still keeping the focus on Clem. I did think Clem showed some growth in this book and although she definitely needs to watch Sam and the Commander, she holds her own with both of them. I also like that we get to see more of Logan and Clem together again.
As always, Diaz does a fantastic job of developing the world these characters inhabit. From the space ships to the planet Marden, all have a real feel to them. It also helps that the writing is well done and paced in a way that keeps the story moving but still spends some time on the important parts.
Overall I thought Diaz tied this story up well. Not only do we get explanations around what really happened with Marden so long ago, but we also learn more about why the aliens are back and what they are looking for. I won’t lie, things don’t go 100% perfectly for the group and there are some unexpected twists but in the end, the story concludes with some hope.
If you are looking for something that has plenty of action and a story that will pull you in with some great characters, aliens, and deception, consider checking this series out. I will definitely be waiting to see what Diaz writes next and will be reading it as soon as I can.
Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for the review copy!
As the story begins, Clementine and the rebels have to figure out what to do now that their headquarters is destroyed and aliens from Marden are invading. Clem has to figure out who she can (and will) trust and it definitely isn’t an easy decision. The one thing she and the group do know is that they can’t do anything about the aliens on their own. Because of this, she and the small group decide to head to the core but on their way, they are attacked and some of the group are taken by the aliens. When Clementine gets to the core, she is face to face with Commander Charlie again and has to make a deal with him to save her friends and Logan.
We have the normal cast of characters in this book as we had in the past and I thought Diaz did a wonderful job of giving us more of each of them while still keeping the focus on Clem. I did think Clem showed some growth in this book and although she definitely needs to watch Sam and the Commander, she holds her own with both of them. I also like that we get to see more of Logan and Clem together again.
As always, Diaz does a fantastic job of developing the world these characters inhabit. From the space ships to the planet Marden, all have a real feel to them. It also helps that the writing is well done and paced in a way that keeps the story moving but still spends some time on the important parts.
Overall I thought Diaz tied this story up well. Not only do we get explanations around what really happened with Marden so long ago, but we also learn more about why the aliens are back and what they are looking for. I won’t lie, things don’t go 100% perfectly for the group and there are some unexpected twists but in the end, the story concludes with some hope.
If you are looking for something that has plenty of action and a story that will pull you in with some great characters, aliens, and deception, consider checking this series out. I will definitely be waiting to see what Diaz writes next and will be reading it as soon as I can.
Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for the review copy!
September 9, 2015
What a fantastic and exciting and gripping and suspenseful series finale EVOLUTION is. This third installment takes the story in yet another direction, giving readers something both new and familiar, making for a fascinating and thrilling read. Deadly threats, dangerous enemies, fragile allegiances, shocking revelations ensure that this will be an unputdownable page-turner.
With the enemy drawing ever closer, Clementine and the Rebels will have to band together with the Developers and Commander Charlie if there’s to be any hope for those that remain on Kiel to survive the Mardenite onslaught. But with the enemy in possession of a poison gas that can instantly disable them, a weapon that can render theirs useless, sheer numbers of Raiders and battleships that dwarf their remaining fleet, mounting a defense seems almost futile.
Not wanting Commander Charlie to resort to a defense that would destroy everything she’s been fighting to save and everyone she cares about, Clementine is desperate to find a less catastrophic solution. She’s even willing to bargain with him, give him something he very much wants, in order to stay his hand. But with time running out, she may have to concede the losses he deems acceptable to avoid the possibility of total annihilation from the invading enemy or be willing to take an even greater risk for the slim chance at a peaceful result.
Stephanie Diaz has penned an absolutely enthralling and interesting and original series, with EVOLUTION being its most action- and danger-filled, most heart-stopping, most captivating installment. Her worlds are ever-changing, her characters evolving, the dangers escalating, the threats and losses and risks increasing, the surprises never-ending. And she brings everything to a close in a way that’s satisfying and unexpected and full of possibility.
EVOLUTION is dramatic and intense. It delivers strategies and deceptions and battles and heartbreaking loss side-by-side with love and loyalty and hope and romance. It starts off with a world in turmoil, at risk of collapse, invasion, destruction and ends with a world that is sure to surprise.
An imaginative and riveting story, a strong heroine, ruthless rulers, intriguing enemies, a sympathetic cause, a dying planet, are just some of the things that make this book and series an absolute must.
With the enemy drawing ever closer, Clementine and the Rebels will have to band together with the Developers and Commander Charlie if there’s to be any hope for those that remain on Kiel to survive the Mardenite onslaught. But with the enemy in possession of a poison gas that can instantly disable them, a weapon that can render theirs useless, sheer numbers of Raiders and battleships that dwarf their remaining fleet, mounting a defense seems almost futile.
Not wanting Commander Charlie to resort to a defense that would destroy everything she’s been fighting to save and everyone she cares about, Clementine is desperate to find a less catastrophic solution. She’s even willing to bargain with him, give him something he very much wants, in order to stay his hand. But with time running out, she may have to concede the losses he deems acceptable to avoid the possibility of total annihilation from the invading enemy or be willing to take an even greater risk for the slim chance at a peaceful result.
Stephanie Diaz has penned an absolutely enthralling and interesting and original series, with EVOLUTION being its most action- and danger-filled, most heart-stopping, most captivating installment. Her worlds are ever-changing, her characters evolving, the dangers escalating, the threats and losses and risks increasing, the surprises never-ending. And she brings everything to a close in a way that’s satisfying and unexpected and full of possibility.
EVOLUTION is dramatic and intense. It delivers strategies and deceptions and battles and heartbreaking loss side-by-side with love and loyalty and hope and romance. It starts off with a world in turmoil, at risk of collapse, invasion, destruction and ends with a world that is sure to surprise.
An imaginative and riveting story, a strong heroine, ruthless rulers, intriguing enemies, a sympathetic cause, a dying planet, are just some of the things that make this book and series an absolute must.
November 26, 2015
Nothing about the cover or the blurb indicated that “Evolution” is actually the third book in the trilogy, so I started reading it without knowing anything about the back-story… well, good thing Diaz recapitulates the most basic events and you can easily fill the blanks in if you’ve read similar books.
We have a totalitarian government which relies on mind control and survival of the fittest, a rebellion against it as well as an alien invasion. The story is very straightforward and there aren’t any major twists. The reader gets a lot of answers and explanations to previous questions; Diaz doesn’t seem to have left any loose ends.
Naturally I wasn’t really invested in the characters and found the actual aliens far more intriguing. There is nothing special in the constellation of the characters and it’s played very safe – the deaths that occur aren’t too risky and overall battles are kept very short. The ending is very hopeful and optimistic although the time jump could have been further ahead for my liking.
I’m not interested in catching up with the first two books of this trilogy, but I enjoyed Diaz’ writing and would love to read more from her in the future!
rating: 2.5/5
We have a totalitarian government which relies on mind control and survival of the fittest, a rebellion against it as well as an alien invasion. The story is very straightforward and there aren’t any major twists. The reader gets a lot of answers and explanations to previous questions; Diaz doesn’t seem to have left any loose ends.
Naturally I wasn’t really invested in the characters and found the actual aliens far more intriguing. There is nothing special in the constellation of the characters and it’s played very safe – the deaths that occur aren’t too risky and overall battles are kept very short. The ending is very hopeful and optimistic although the time jump could have been further ahead for my liking.
I’m not interested in catching up with the first two books of this trilogy, but I enjoyed Diaz’ writing and would love to read more from her in the future!
rating: 2.5/5
November 21, 2015
Evolution is a great conclusion to the Extraction series that neatly ties up the story. If you haven’t read the first two books in the series, Extraction and Rebellion, then you really should. Evolution definitely doesn’t function as a standalone book.
Its strengths are what made the first book in the series great — the science fiction twist to a dystopian story. The final book in the series follows through on this, giving Clementine the chance to unravel the mysteries behind the dystopian state of her world, and find out the history behind the Mardenite aliens. While Evolution sometimes loses focus with a huge cast of characters, the detailed futuristic world alone makes the book worth a read. Definitely check out the series if you love science fiction!
Recommendation: Borrow it someday, particularly if you’re a fan of the Extraction series! This is a satisfying conclusion to the series.
Its strengths are what made the first book in the series great — the science fiction twist to a dystopian story. The final book in the series follows through on this, giving Clementine the chance to unravel the mysteries behind the dystopian state of her world, and find out the history behind the Mardenite aliens. While Evolution sometimes loses focus with a huge cast of characters, the detailed futuristic world alone makes the book worth a read. Definitely check out the series if you love science fiction!
Recommendation: Borrow it someday, particularly if you’re a fan of the Extraction series! This is a satisfying conclusion to the series.
Want to read
September 9, 2015The conclusions to the extraction trilogy, this book is just as exciting as its prequels.
I still love the character of Clementine. She seems like a real person, a real girl with fears and hopes and feelings. My favorite part of the last book was how clementine dealt with PTSD and anxiety, and k felt like that was continued well in Evolution.
I do think the beginning was extremely slow in this one. I almost gave up at first, because I could not remember what was going on. There wasn't a lot of explaining going on, which is something the last book had. You defiantly couldn't jump into this book without reading the one before.
Although the beginning is slow, Diaz still has an amazing gift for writing. The plot picks up and is thrilling and amazing as the first two. I definitely recommend picking up this series and reading it for a new take on the dyspotian genre.
April 1, 2016
In this third and final book, the Mardenites finally arrive to wreck havok on Kiel while the developers will stop at nothing to win the war, regardless of the costs.
Finally in this third book we learn about Marden, the Mardenites, the history of the war, the makeup of the developers, and the developer's plans. All questions are answered and its quite a ride. Oh, and apparently there are a few secrets about Clementine that are revealed. Not to mention the intricate power dance between Clementine and Commander Charlie. And it really ties up the series nicely. If you've read the first two books you owe it to yourself to read Evolution and enjoy the payoff.
NOTE: I received this for free in exchange for an honest review.This review was originally posted on MichaelSciFan
Finally in this third book we learn about Marden, the Mardenites, the history of the war, the makeup of the developers, and the developer's plans. All questions are answered and its quite a ride. Oh, and apparently there are a few secrets about Clementine that are revealed. Not to mention the intricate power dance between Clementine and Commander Charlie. And it really ties up the series nicely. If you've read the first two books you owe it to yourself to read Evolution and enjoy the payoff.
NOTE: I received this for free in exchange for an honest review.This review was originally posted on MichaelSciFan
September 25, 2015
I received this book through Goodreads' First Reads program.
Evolution is the third book in the Extraction series. The story is exciting and paced very well. The combination of story elements is original, but I can't help getting a little bit of a Star Wars vibe. The story of Clem saving herself, her friends, and the intelligent universe is fun. I enjoyed the sci-fi elements of the story too.
The story is pretty good. The complexity is good for a Young Adult age range around 15. I suppose the implied sex scene is acceptable for this age range also.
I would love to read a more mature novel or series from this author in this universe from the "alien" point of view. I think the Mardenites' (Vul) story would be really interesting.
Evolution is the third book in the Extraction series. The story is exciting and paced very well. The combination of story elements is original, but I can't help getting a little bit of a Star Wars vibe. The story of Clem saving herself, her friends, and the intelligent universe is fun. I enjoyed the sci-fi elements of the story too.
The story is pretty good. The complexity is good for a Young Adult age range around 15. I suppose the implied sex scene is acceptable for this age range also.
I would love to read a more mature novel or series from this author in this universe from the "alien" point of view. I think the Mardenites' (Vul) story would be really interesting.
January 20, 2016
This was a satisfying end to a very interesting series. The previous book had ended in such a dramatic way that I honestly could not figure out how this one was going to go, and I was very eager to find out.
This book did not disappoint. It had a delightful amount of twists and turns that kept the story entertaining, and while it was, indeed, very different from the other two books in some ways, it maintained a consistent feeling with the others that allowed them to still feel together.
In a lot of ways, this one turned particularly sci-fi. I didn't expect it, but it was truly fantastic. 10/10 would recommend.
This book did not disappoint. It had a delightful amount of twists and turns that kept the story entertaining, and while it was, indeed, very different from the other two books in some ways, it maintained a consistent feeling with the others that allowed them to still feel together.
In a lot of ways, this one turned particularly sci-fi. I didn't expect it, but it was truly fantastic. 10/10 would recommend.
September 2, 2015
Started this book blindly since I haven't read the previous but the author gives a little backstory as you read so it was fairly easy to understand what was going on.
This was an interesting and entertaining book that seems to wrap up the series nice. At least from what I've read. Things made sense. It was over the top confusing or out of this world implausible.
From what I gather this is a dystopian where the government uses mind control. Mix in some action and a little romance, Evolution is a fun read.
I will have a more thorough review soon.
*received a copy from the author in exchange for a honest review.
This was an interesting and entertaining book that seems to wrap up the series nice. At least from what I've read. Things made sense. It was over the top confusing or out of this world implausible.
From what I gather this is a dystopian where the government uses mind control. Mix in some action and a little romance, Evolution is a fun read.
I will have a more thorough review soon.
*received a copy from the author in exchange for a honest review.
October 19, 2016
This trilogy is very Hunger Games. The trilogy starts with the 'ruler' figures (Developers in this case) putting some poor 16 year old through a choosing process that is key to society. The Extraction is good and you are lucky if you are chosen, however not as good as the Developers made it out to be. The next book, Rebellion, is the fight against the patriarchy and the third, Evolution, transitions into a fight against a 3rd powerful being that eventually gets enlisted to help the poor 16 year old fight the patriarchy.
SPOILERS - this third book is really just a compilation of fight the patriarchy and an Ender's Game / save the Formics mindset. It works.
SPOILERS - this third book is really just a compilation of fight the patriarchy and an Ender's Game / save the Formics mindset. It works.
February 8, 2016
This novel was a pretty good ending to the trilogy but I feel like the first two novels were more exciting and felt like they were more of a story whereas this was just finishing up and sort of answering questions. In some way I wish the end was more expanded rather than just ending upon arrival, I think that would have made the novel more interesting.
Otherwise, a good trilogy but again......these trilogies are killing me since they seem to take F O R E V E R to publish so I either pick up and devour the first one, or I have to wait until all the novels are complete.
Otherwise, a good trilogy but again......these trilogies are killing me since they seem to take F O R E V E R to publish so I either pick up and devour the first one, or I have to wait until all the novels are complete.
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