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New World #4
Underground
Love isn't something you find.
Love is something that finds you.
Phoenix has spent her whole life fighting. All she's ever wanted was to return the world to a peaceful state, and bring down the New World Order. But now she finds herself in a different sort of battle. No longer set in the streets of New Berlin, the fighting has moved beneath them, in a vicious underground fighting ring run by outlaws bent on causing trouble. And if that isn't hard enough, she's stuck with the one person who loves to fight more than she does - Trent McKay. Now the race is on to get out of their new prison and back home - before they end up killing each other.
Or worse - fall in love.
***This book is for mature audiences due to strong language, violence, and sexual situations.
New World Series
Switch
Masked
Tested
Underground
Silence
ebook
First published February 14, 2016
About the author
Janelle Stalder
28 books379 followersJanelle Stalder was born and raised in Brampton, Ontario. At an early age she developed a love for literature. Her debut novel, Eden, was the first book in a series of four, released in September of 2011. Since then she has released an Adult Dystopian Romance series, the New World Series, hitting the best sellers list on Amazon. She has also released a Mature YA/NA novel, Brush Strokes, that stayed on the best sellers list for contemporary romance for sixteen straight weeks. She is a strong supporter of other independent authors, and loves to interact with her readers. When she's not writing, Janelle is at home with her husband, two children, Aiden and Elora, her little bun in the oven that is on the way, and her two furry children, Alice and Lily. She now resides in a small town in Ontario in her old, possibly haunted, century home.
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Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews
February 19, 2016
I simply love this series and this author. There are times I wonder if she could do any wrong.
February 25, 2016
This review and many more can be found on my blog: Feed Your Fiction Addiction
This next installment of the New World Series delivers everything I love – action and suspense, an intense and sexy romance, and plenty of moral quandaries. This book focuses on Trent and Phoenix, who we saw butting heads and fighting attraction in previous books. Well, they can’t fight it anymore!
What Fed My Addiction:
Fight club.
The concept of Phoenix and Trent being captured in this place where they have to fight to the death was both exciting and horrifying. Both of them are natural fighters – not just physically, but emotionally as well – but the idea of having to kill people for sport is obviously pretty revolting to them (especially Phoenix).
Hate to love.
Okay, hate’s a pretty strong word – Phoenix and Trent both have strong personalities and they butt heads an awful lot, but they don’t exactly hate each other. Still, it was easy to see why they wanted to fight the attraction between them when they felt like they bickered over everything. It takes them a long time to realize that their headstrong personalities could actually mesh rather than clash. Of course, watching that happen was kind of addicting – I was definitely rooting for these two (and have been since previous books!).
New developments.
A good portion of the book had nothing to do with Trent and Phoenix’s situation but focused on a side plot. I don’t want to reveal too much about that side plot, but suffice it to say that while Trent and Phoenix are locked away the revolution is still going on elsewhere, and there are some major developments. We also got a lot more of our old favorite characters in this book (as well as some new ones), and they’re dealing with old alliances and rivalries. As usual, there’s a lot of gray area to the revolution, and the “bad guys” are sometimes hard to pinpoint.
What Left Me Wanting More:
Quick turnaround.
I won’t give away specifics because it would spoil things, but one character in this book changes his tune rather quickly. He goes from being a character who does despicable things to a hero of sorts in the bat of an eye, and I just wasn’t buying it. To make things worse, the change seems to be brought on, at least partially, by instalove in a relationship that we don’t see develop (though Stalder has a novella that will show us this story – maybe reading that will help me feel better about this aspect of the storyline in this book). Luckily, the main romance in the story was strong enough to counteract my frustration with this instalovey side relationship! (Actually, Stalder seems to weave many possible future relationships into this book – just like she did with Trent and Phoenix in past books. I much prefer that method over being blindsided by instalove.)
So, overall, this was another extremely satisfying installment in the series. I’m looking forward to seeing where Stalder heads with it next. If you’re a fan of NA and dystopian, this series is a rare gem in a sea of NA contemps that often sort of blend together. I give this installment 4/5 stars.
***Disclosure: I received this book from the author in exchange for an honest review. No other compensation was given and all opinions are my own.***
This next installment of the New World Series delivers everything I love – action and suspense, an intense and sexy romance, and plenty of moral quandaries. This book focuses on Trent and Phoenix, who we saw butting heads and fighting attraction in previous books. Well, they can’t fight it anymore!
What Fed My Addiction:
Fight club.
The concept of Phoenix and Trent being captured in this place where they have to fight to the death was both exciting and horrifying. Both of them are natural fighters – not just physically, but emotionally as well – but the idea of having to kill people for sport is obviously pretty revolting to them (especially Phoenix).
Hate to love.
Okay, hate’s a pretty strong word – Phoenix and Trent both have strong personalities and they butt heads an awful lot, but they don’t exactly hate each other. Still, it was easy to see why they wanted to fight the attraction between them when they felt like they bickered over everything. It takes them a long time to realize that their headstrong personalities could actually mesh rather than clash. Of course, watching that happen was kind of addicting – I was definitely rooting for these two (and have been since previous books!).
New developments.
A good portion of the book had nothing to do with Trent and Phoenix’s situation but focused on a side plot. I don’t want to reveal too much about that side plot, but suffice it to say that while Trent and Phoenix are locked away the revolution is still going on elsewhere, and there are some major developments. We also got a lot more of our old favorite characters in this book (as well as some new ones), and they’re dealing with old alliances and rivalries. As usual, there’s a lot of gray area to the revolution, and the “bad guys” are sometimes hard to pinpoint.
What Left Me Wanting More:
Quick turnaround.
I won’t give away specifics because it would spoil things, but one character in this book changes his tune rather quickly. He goes from being a character who does despicable things to a hero of sorts in the bat of an eye, and I just wasn’t buying it. To make things worse, the change seems to be brought on, at least partially, by instalove in a relationship that we don’t see develop (though Stalder has a novella that will show us this story – maybe reading that will help me feel better about this aspect of the storyline in this book). Luckily, the main romance in the story was strong enough to counteract my frustration with this instalovey side relationship! (Actually, Stalder seems to weave many possible future relationships into this book – just like she did with Trent and Phoenix in past books. I much prefer that method over being blindsided by instalove.)
So, overall, this was another extremely satisfying installment in the series. I’m looking forward to seeing where Stalder heads with it next. If you’re a fan of NA and dystopian, this series is a rare gem in a sea of NA contemps that often sort of blend together. I give this installment 4/5 stars.
***Disclosure: I received this book from the author in exchange for an honest review. No other compensation was given and all opinions are my own.***
February 14, 2016
Underground Review on K-Books
Underground is one of those books that I couldn't wait for. As soon as Janelle emailed me to ask if I would like to BETA read this for her I couldn't contain my excitement. I couldn't wait to dive in. I already had such massive expectations for this book and it suppassed all of my expectations. Underground was absolutely amazing. I loved every moment.
It has been quite a while since I read the other books in this series. I have been a big fan of Janelle's since her debut book Eden and I absolutely adore her. I soon caught back up to speed once I started reading this book. Janelle has such a great talent in her writing. She can remind you of what happened in the previous books without it feeling very repetitive. Janelle's writing style hooked me in with a matter of paragraphs and held me completely until I had devoured the entire book.
One thing that I adore about this series is that even though we cover a new couple in each book we still get to find out what is happening with the characters that we fell in love with in the previous books. I really loved getting into Phoenix and Trent's love story in this one. I'd already fell in love with both of these characters before this book so to see their story and their romance develop in this book was amazing.
Underground is one of those books that I couldn't wait for. As soon as Janelle emailed me to ask if I would like to BETA read this for her I couldn't contain my excitement. I couldn't wait to dive in. I already had such massive expectations for this book and it suppassed all of my expectations. Underground was absolutely amazing. I loved every moment.
It has been quite a while since I read the other books in this series. I have been a big fan of Janelle's since her debut book Eden and I absolutely adore her. I soon caught back up to speed once I started reading this book. Janelle has such a great talent in her writing. She can remind you of what happened in the previous books without it feeling very repetitive. Janelle's writing style hooked me in with a matter of paragraphs and held me completely until I had devoured the entire book.
One thing that I adore about this series is that even though we cover a new couple in each book we still get to find out what is happening with the characters that we fell in love with in the previous books. I really loved getting into Phoenix and Trent's love story in this one. I'd already fell in love with both of these characters before this book so to see their story and their romance develop in this book was amazing.
February 13, 2015
Cover coming this April!
December 26, 2018
3.5 stars
January 31, 2016
EVERY FREAKING TIME
every freaking time....
Savor this one becca, take your time becca, nope never happens
These books demand to be devoured and boy did i feast
God dammit im both pissed and elated.
Pissed because there werent more pages, elated because I mean come on, its Janelle freaking Stalder!
This woman writes crack and i don't think she realizes it
Alright, alright here is the scoop, we are well into the series now, so you know there will be spoilers from the previous reads but not this one
Last we left Phoenix and Trent, they were in a shit load of trouble. And these two spitfires really shouldn't be left alone ;) or should they, actually, yes they should, always cause *fans self*
I thought for sure that my favorite couple would never change from Tyler and Missy because well Scott, and Missy is like my type of girl, the silent strength kind, but these two omg. i loved the heat, the fire between them. The chemistry was hotter than hell.
The story will have you on the edge of your seat, shaking with anticipation
Things might finally be looking up for the crew, until they don't you will have to read to get the specifics, but here is what i will tell you. As always Janelle creates a brilliant new story for us to lose ourselves in, the couples that form in this book, and the beginnings of others will make you BEG for the next book i know i am preparing ;)
but seriously is it a thing to sit outside an author's house and just watch them write the book? can i do that? i will do it. Don't doubt me.
So obviously i enjoyed the book. I really think this was perfectly paced, left readers wanting more at the right exact moments. The book was fantastic, i really cant say more than that. If you have come this far into this series you know its worth every word.
New alliances, new sort of enemies, new developments! It will definitely keep you tight in its grip until you don't even realize you accidentally glance over to the next page and see the dreaded words: "THE END" *not like that happened to anyone or anything.... :| .....
I cannot wait for the next book in the series, especially that little novella that is suppose to be coming out very berry spoon too because #neeeeeddd and my hope is to see a little more extended from this one? maybe? god i need it.... okay and that concludes this review.
wait no.
Read this series you won't regret a moment of it
every freaking time....
Savor this one becca, take your time becca, nope never happens
These books demand to be devoured and boy did i feast
God dammit im both pissed and elated.
Pissed because there werent more pages, elated because I mean come on, its Janelle freaking Stalder!
This woman writes crack and i don't think she realizes it
Alright, alright here is the scoop, we are well into the series now, so you know there will be spoilers from the previous reads but not this one
Last we left Phoenix and Trent, they were in a shit load of trouble. And these two spitfires really shouldn't be left alone ;) or should they, actually, yes they should, always cause *fans self*
I thought for sure that my favorite couple would never change from Tyler and Missy because well Scott, and Missy is like my type of girl, the silent strength kind, but these two omg. i loved the heat, the fire between them. The chemistry was hotter than hell.
The story will have you on the edge of your seat, shaking with anticipation
Things might finally be looking up for the crew, until they don't you will have to read to get the specifics, but here is what i will tell you. As always Janelle creates a brilliant new story for us to lose ourselves in, the couples that form in this book, and the beginnings of others will make you BEG for the next book i know i am preparing ;)
but seriously is it a thing to sit outside an author's house and just watch them write the book? can i do that? i will do it. Don't doubt me.
So obviously i enjoyed the book. I really think this was perfectly paced, left readers wanting more at the right exact moments. The book was fantastic, i really cant say more than that. If you have come this far into this series you know its worth every word.
New alliances, new sort of enemies, new developments! It will definitely keep you tight in its grip until you don't even realize you accidentally glance over to the next page and see the dreaded words: "THE END" *not like that happened to anyone or anything.... :| .....
I cannot wait for the next book in the series, especially that little novella that is suppose to be coming out very berry spoon too because #neeeeeddd and my hope is to see a little more extended from this one? maybe? god i need it.... okay and that concludes this review.
wait no.
Read this series you won't regret a moment of it
January 29, 2016
Truly captivating!
This story starts right where tested left off. I felt like I never left it flowed so beautifully. One thing I love about this series is while it focuses on one couple at a time we still get to see what's happening with all the other favorites which opens things up for so many other stories *cough Ludwig cough*. So this story focused on Phoenix and Trent. I was super excited to read Phoenix's story she's a spitfire an I wanted to delve into her character the moment she was introduced. Always caring for others I wanted to see her be cared for, for once. Although she didn't make it easy for him Trent was the perfect candidate. His strong personality and stubbornness was and equal match to hers. Plus who could resist his sexiness and boy was he sexy! This story had alot of twist and turns that i didn't expect which made it such a great read. You never know how her stories will end or what will happen next you can try to guess but I bet you'll be wrong! I won't say much about the storyline as to not give any spoilers away but but just like all Janelle's stories I demolished this in just one sitting because it's that amazing!
This story starts right where tested left off. I felt like I never left it flowed so beautifully. One thing I love about this series is while it focuses on one couple at a time we still get to see what's happening with all the other favorites which opens things up for so many other stories *cough Ludwig cough*. So this story focused on Phoenix and Trent. I was super excited to read Phoenix's story she's a spitfire an I wanted to delve into her character the moment she was introduced. Always caring for others I wanted to see her be cared for, for once. Although she didn't make it easy for him Trent was the perfect candidate. His strong personality and stubbornness was and equal match to hers. Plus who could resist his sexiness and boy was he sexy! This story had alot of twist and turns that i didn't expect which made it such a great read. You never know how her stories will end or what will happen next you can try to guess but I bet you'll be wrong! I won't say much about the storyline as to not give any spoilers away but but just like all Janelle's stories I demolished this in just one sitting because it's that amazing!
November 14, 2017
I am sorry, this was not my cup of tea ... in comparation with the previous two books this one was unexiting
October 22, 2018
Loved this series but feels disappointed, Will there be a no.5 so many things left undone with some characters
February 14, 2016
***I received an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts are 100% my own.***
We have known Trent since Switch. He’s Pete’s older, more serious brother. We got to know Phoenix in Tested. She’s Missy’s older, more wild sister. During that story they were taken to an unknown location by an unknown person. This is their story during that time and since. These two bickered and tormented one another. Everyone else could see the attraction brewing under the surface, but if you asked either of them, they’d deny it and even claim to dislike the other. But when they only had each other to lean on, they found that they couldn’t claim those same feelings, and had to come to terms with their true feelings. But these people from the ghetto cannot allow any of their own be taken from them, not without an attempt to rescue them. Which is exactly what happens. What actually happened though, no one could have foreseen.
We have our usual cast of characters. There’s all the Archers women, as well as all the guys from the eastern ghetto. We also get Charlotte and Bridgette and Roman and Ludwig and of course Douglas. We are introduced to Bastian and Stella, and we get a little peek at Eve. This story involves so much more than just Phoenix and Trent. Lake has her own story happening, as does Seamus, and same with Garrett. This isn’t to mention the story we watch unfolding before our eyes with Pixie. So, I’m hoping beyond hope that we see a story from Seamus, Lake, and Garrett before long. :D (HINT Ms. Stalder! Pretty please!)
Ms. Stalder’s New World is becoming very large indeed, with more players on the chessboard than we originally knew. Who’s the protagonist/antagonist anymore? Other than one definitive antagonist, I have no idea anymore. And these new characters who were introduced at the very end? Who knows. I can’t wait to find out, surely there are a lot more books coming. I am really enjoying the fact that these books are telling a MUCH larger story even though they are focusing on one couple at a time. There’s still multiple POV from different areas so we can get the feeling all the way around the whole situation. It also causes one to feel the human side of all the characters which is not one person is purely evil, or purely good but rather a mix between. So would I recommend this book? YES! BUT if you don’t like cliffhangers, WAIT…when this series is over, scoop them all up and read them all BACK TO BACK TO BACK. Trust me, you’ll not be able to help yourself.
We have known Trent since Switch. He’s Pete’s older, more serious brother. We got to know Phoenix in Tested. She’s Missy’s older, more wild sister. During that story they were taken to an unknown location by an unknown person. This is their story during that time and since. These two bickered and tormented one another. Everyone else could see the attraction brewing under the surface, but if you asked either of them, they’d deny it and even claim to dislike the other. But when they only had each other to lean on, they found that they couldn’t claim those same feelings, and had to come to terms with their true feelings. But these people from the ghetto cannot allow any of their own be taken from them, not without an attempt to rescue them. Which is exactly what happens. What actually happened though, no one could have foreseen.
We have our usual cast of characters. There’s all the Archers women, as well as all the guys from the eastern ghetto. We also get Charlotte and Bridgette and Roman and Ludwig and of course Douglas. We are introduced to Bastian and Stella, and we get a little peek at Eve. This story involves so much more than just Phoenix and Trent. Lake has her own story happening, as does Seamus, and same with Garrett. This isn’t to mention the story we watch unfolding before our eyes with Pixie. So, I’m hoping beyond hope that we see a story from Seamus, Lake, and Garrett before long. :D (HINT Ms. Stalder! Pretty please!)
Ms. Stalder’s New World is becoming very large indeed, with more players on the chessboard than we originally knew. Who’s the protagonist/antagonist anymore? Other than one definitive antagonist, I have no idea anymore. And these new characters who were introduced at the very end? Who knows. I can’t wait to find out, surely there are a lot more books coming. I am really enjoying the fact that these books are telling a MUCH larger story even though they are focusing on one couple at a time. There’s still multiple POV from different areas so we can get the feeling all the way around the whole situation. It also causes one to feel the human side of all the characters which is not one person is purely evil, or purely good but rather a mix between. So would I recommend this book? YES! BUT if you don’t like cliffhangers, WAIT…when this series is over, scoop them all up and read them all BACK TO BACK TO BACK. Trust me, you’ll not be able to help yourself.
February 16, 2016
I've been a fan of Janelle Stalder since her first book, and let me tell you, her books just keep getting better, and Underground is no exception.
Underground follows Trent and Phoenix, and the rest of the gang, after they've been captured and are being forced into underground fights to the death. Trent and Phoenix hate each other--or so they thought--and their fighting is just as sexy as when they finally realize that they need to be together.
Meanwhile, Douglas hatches an awful plan to get Ludwig to step down, and as the gang is separated, things are set into motion that you don't see coming to end the oppression of Ludwig.
I was in love from the first word of this book until the end. It's romantic, sexy, and filled with action. There are twists and turns and romances. There isn't anything missing in this novel. You'll be captured from beginning to end, and these characters will steal your heart.
Underground follows Trent and Phoenix, and the rest of the gang, after they've been captured and are being forced into underground fights to the death. Trent and Phoenix hate each other--or so they thought--and their fighting is just as sexy as when they finally realize that they need to be together.
Meanwhile, Douglas hatches an awful plan to get Ludwig to step down, and as the gang is separated, things are set into motion that you don't see coming to end the oppression of Ludwig.
I was in love from the first word of this book until the end. It's romantic, sexy, and filled with action. There are twists and turns and romances. There isn't anything missing in this novel. You'll be captured from beginning to end, and these characters will steal your heart.
February 19, 2016
Damn these books are soooo HAWT! (Yes just Hot didnt even begin to cover it)
This time the story focusses and Trent and Phoenix. 2 hot heads who're meant to be together and everyone knows it except them. (Damn that sounds like the beginning of my marriage XD)
And ofcourse the rest of the Rebel gang is there too!
I love how easy these stories read. You just want to keep going!
If you love actionpacked stories with loads of sexyness you'd definitely read the New World series!
I can't wait for the next story about these hot people!
This time the story focusses and Trent and Phoenix. 2 hot heads who're meant to be together and everyone knows it except them. (Damn that sounds like the beginning of my marriage XD)
And ofcourse the rest of the Rebel gang is there too!
I love how easy these stories read. You just want to keep going!
If you love actionpacked stories with loads of sexyness you'd definitely read the New World series!
I can't wait for the next story about these hot people!
February 14, 2016
Just when I thought the series couldn't get any better... Janelle Stalder pulls you right in and suddenly you're there living the life along with the characters. I couldn't stop reading, again! She's got me on the edge of my seat in every one of the books in this series. Definitely the perfect book to spice up your Valentine's smile emoticon Loved it!!
January 26, 2016
AMAZING!!!!! Another must read by this talented author. Janelle Stalder certainly knows how make you fall in love with the characters in this series. This book has it all, a definite page turner!!! Would recommend this series to everyone .
May 14, 2016
I was hooked the second I started reading.
February 5, 2016
Love this series, its totally addictive, I would recommend to all
February 24, 2016
Another cliffhanger
I'm really enjoying all of the different characters that are coming to life . I can't wait to read the 5th book.
I'm really enjoying all of the different characters that are coming to life . I can't wait to read the 5th book.
September 5, 2016
I love this series.
Underground had everything from suspense to love and mystery. It was a fun read and I can't wait for the next book in this series.
Underground had everything from suspense to love and mystery. It was a fun read and I can't wait for the next book in this series.
February 8, 2016
5*s
Review to follow...
Review to follow...
Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews